Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs! In today’s edition, we break down the Saints loss in the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
1st Down: Garrett Grayson’s Status
Last week, I said that the Saints third round draft pick from 2015 days in the Crescent City were numbered. But after last night’s performance against the Baltimore Ravens, perhaps he will live another day. Mind you he didn’t set the world on fire, but completing 11-of-16 for 98 yards and a touchdown shows that he can perform at a certain level. In my mind, he’s saved himself from the final round of cuts.
2nd Down: Defense Continues to Shine
It seems really weird to keep saying this, but that’s a great thing for the Saints after the last couple of seasons with the defense being a sieve. It’s another week where the Saints defense did a great job on third down, which is what led to a pair of field goals that kept the game tight in the second quarter. Yes, the defense was up against the “B-team” but it shows a lot of promise for a defense that has been criticized in the last couple years under Rob Ryan and showing that the move to get Dennis Allen on board was a good idea.
3rd Down: Running Game Still Has Issues
The Saints run game, which has been part of their weapons for some time, seems to be missing that pep in their step with no players on Thursday night getting over 50 yards all preseason. It’s a position the Saints like to have that three headed monster, but it seems like there’s a debate as to what heads are going to be part of this monster. Mark Ingram obviously will get consideration as the number one, but how much do you trust Ingram after the preseason that saw him have multiple fumbles. Then the debate is who do you keep past that? Tim Hightower turned his career around after Ingram’s injury last season, you have C.J. Spiller who was signed last season and did a whole lot of nothing outside of an overtime touchdown that will be in the record books for quite some time. The Saints have an interesting predicament on their hand as they make tough decisions of who to let go.
4th Down: Who’s Locked Down a Spot On 53-Man Roster?
Outside of the obvious players that were set to be on the lineup, there’s a few players out there that could be making the cut. One player that absolutely needs to have a spot on this team is Tommylee Lewis. This guy has impressed all preseason long and truly deserves a spot on the roster and seeing some playing time in 2016. On the defensive side of the ball, guys like De’Vante Harris and Ken Crawley should be in heavy consideration for the 53-man roster come Sunday.
-Clint Domingue