The Saints travel down to Oakland for the third preseason game of the season. It will be a game where guys on both teams are looking to make the team as the cuts are looming. I think the Saints did some good work this week in Oxnard but unfortunately the injury bug struck the team this week. Look for the Saints to sit some guys and rest them for the season opener. The game is the Sunday game of the week on NBC and here is my five things to look for in tonight’s game.
1. Is the offense where it needs to be?
The offense pretty much had its way with the Texans last week. Drew and the receivers were in sync and the running game seemed like it gained ten yards with every carry. It seemed to have turnovers and mistakes, killing a couple of drives but they had glimpses of the offense that is one of the top offenses in the league. I expect Drew and the offense to keep getting better starting with the Raiders tonight.
2. Will Saints fans be safe?
I know their won’t be that many Saints fans in Oakland but I expect there will be some in the stands. With the Raiders/49ers game making national headlines this past week for their fan behavior in the stands and outside of the stadium. It should not be problem as this is a preseason game and hopefully the Raider fans are gracious hosts. Wait, I forgot who I’m talking about, the Raider fans are known for making things uncomfortable for opposing teams. I expect nothing less and maybe it will be a good test for the Saints as they open the season on the road in hostile territory.
3. Who is playing in this game?
In the third game the starters usually play the first half and some of the third quarter. Looking up and down the injury report you have to ask, who is going to be able to play? It seems like every position has been affected by injures this past week during training camp. The sliver lining to all the injuries is you give all those backups some reps that they normally wouldn’t get with the starters in there. Big opportunity for some guys.
4. Will Adrian Arrington finally step up?
It’s the one question that most Saints fan ask “Will Adrian Arrington ever get on the field?”
Reports coming out of training camp this week have Adrian playing some with the first team. With Lance Moore out for the game this week, Adrian should step up and get some much needed reps with Drew Brees.
5. Which defense will show up?
Last week the defense came out flat and Coach Williams made them pay for it this past week at training camp. I don’t think you will see the true defense this week just because of the many injuries in the lineup. So if Jason Campbell looks like Joe Montana tonight don’t be alarmed, we need those guys to rest up for Green Bay in a couple of weeks.
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