Saints Defense Dominates Again as Offensive Mistakes Pile Up Before Preseason Opener

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The New Orleans Saints were back on Airline Drive on Tuesday as they continued preparing for their first preseason game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.

The defense continued to dominate the offense, which is commonplace at any level during the preseason. However, the situational mistakes have continued and, to make matters worse, most of the day focused on late-game situations.

Here are some of the takeaways from today’s practice.

Who was Where on Offense?

Saint running back Alvin Kamara — Aug 02, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) looks on during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On the first team offense, nothing necessarily changed.

Tyler Shough was the starter at quarterback, a position he had held since the second half of last season. Spencer Rattler took reps with the second team while Zach Wilson took snaps with the third.

At running back, Trevor Etienne and Alvin Kamara both took reps with the first team. Audric Estime also took reps with the first team as Moore wanted him take reps there as well.

In the receiving corps, Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson were the starters on the outside while Devaughn Vele was the starter in the slot. The second team consisted of the rookie duo of Barrion Brown and Bryce Lance, along with veteran Kevin Austin Jr.

At tight end, both Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant both rotated with the first team. Rookie Oscar Delp took reps with the second.

On the offensive line, it was the usual with Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga starting at left and right tackle, David Edwards and Cesar Ruiz at left and right guard with Erik McCoy at center.

Who’s was Where on Defense?

On the defensive line, Carl Granderson and Chase Young were the starters on the edge while Vernon Broughton and Nathan Shepherd were the No. 1 guys on the interior.

Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) reacts after making a tackle against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At linebacker, veteran Kaden Elliss was starting alongside Danny Stutsman. The latter has been slowly but surely locking up the starting role over longtime mainstay Peter Werner.

In the defensive backfield, nothing changed. Just like in the past couple of practices, Quincy Riley and Kool-Aid McKinstry were on the outside while Justin Reid and Jonas Sanker manned the safety positions.

Injury Report

Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux was off to the side after rolling an ankle, and Rezjohn Wright hurt his hip during Tuesday's practice.

Saints defensive end Cam Jorda — Dec 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Other than that, defensive end Cam Jordan was not available again at practice today because of a hamstring injury.

Defensive lineman John Ridgeway III is dealing with a back issue and remains day to day.

Second-year running back Devin Neal was still off to the side doing rehab work for a hamstring issue and is day to day as well.

Pete Werner (groin) was back in uniform but did not appear to participate in any full-team drills.

Martin Emerson Jr. Had a Big Day

The Saints’ strongest position group may be the defensive backfield with the amount of depth it has.

We saw that today with Martin Emerson Jr. The fifth-year cornerback out of Mississippi State had three pass breakups and an interception on the day. He should have had two if he had hauled one in during the second 11-on-11 session.

Granderson was a Human Wrecking Ball off the Edge

Carl Granderson made several big plays as he gave right tackle Taliese Fuaga all he could handle off the edge. Granderson was constantly forced pressure off the edge. He also had a presence in the passing game as he had an interception and nearly had another as well on the play right before it.

Some Highlight Moments Here and There

There were several plays stood out throughout the day.

Austin made several catches throughout the day, including a 25-yard touchdown catch on a nice ball from Rattler.

While it might of been a mixed day for him, Shough made some nice throws as well.

One that stood out was when he spiraled a touchdown throw on 4th down in the red zone to Johnson on a fade route in the back of the end zone over tight coverage from McKinstry to end the second session of 11-on-11 in a quasi two-minute drill.

Aug 08, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He also made a nice play later in practice where he used his feet to escape pressure and found Tyson in the middle for a first down.

Riley snagged an interception from Shough to end the main practice session.

Offensive Struggles Continue, Especially with Situational Mistakes

Shough was 15-for-27 and threw two interceptions on the day. Despite a rough start to practice, Rattler was 7-for-9, but he also threw an interception. Wilson was 9-for-15 (60%) and did not turn the ball over, but also did not necessarily do anything to separate himself from Rattler.

However, the most concerning thing about the offensive struggles is the lack of situational awareness, something that has been a recurring issue.

The most egregious one came when the offense faced third-and-2 with 14 seconds remaining during a full-field hurry-up drive and committed a costly false start. Shough bailed his offensive line out by converting a fourth-and-1 with a touchdown to Johnson.

However, Johnson committed another false start on the first play with just under 45 seconds on the clock in another 11-on-11 session.

The good thing for the Saints is that its just the preseason and these things can be ironed out before the season starts.

Training Camp Schedule

Here's the practice schedule for the week:

- Wednesday, 9:00-10:15 a.m., Helmets (Closed)
- Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Pads (SOLD OUT)
- Friday, TBD, Walk-Thru (Closed)
- Saturday, Saints vs. Jaguars, 3:00 p.m., Superdome

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