SANTA CLARA, California — Who knows how much the canceled joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers caused the New Orleans Saints to change their game schedule for Sunday’s preseason game.
But coach Dennis Allen let the regular players play longer on Sunday and he will be pleased with the results.
After a disappointing opener last week against the Arizona Cardinals, the Saints’ starting offense ran three series over 1½ quarters in Sunday’s 16-10 loss to the 49ers, capping the night with an encouraging 16-play, 95-yard touchdown drive.
New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s signature was all over New Orleans’ long drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Taysom Hill. Kubiak called 10 running plays and just six passing plays, and the Saints’ running attack came to life in a way rarely seen last year.
Starter Derek Carr, who completed 7 of 9 passes for 47 yards, was also on the ball when needed: He hit Chris Olave deep in the middle of the field for 19 yards and got the ball out quickly under pressure, connecting with the pass rush in the face to rookie Bub Means to convert a fourth down and keep the touchdown drive alive.
The 8 minute, 17 second drive also made up for two unproductive series earlier in the game. The first offense had two consecutive three-and-outs, marking another slow start for the Saints offense that failed to cross the halfway line last week. But things started flowing in the third series and those concerns were allayed.
Let’s take a look at the key takeaways from Sunday’s game.
The running game is back?: Carr recently said the most exciting part of the Saints’ new offense is the running game, and that was on full display against the 49ers. The Saints created open lanes for their runners, who thrived in the open space. Jamaal Williams, who averaged just 2.9 yards per carry last year, managed 32 yards on five attempts – good for 6.4 yards per carry.
In total, the Saints’ starters combined for 64 yards on 13 attempts. That’s 4.9 yards per carry – a mark that New Orleans exceeded only once last season. Their season high in yards per carry was 5.3 in a Nov. 26 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. They exceeded the 4.5 mark only twice.
Taysam RB1: With Alvin Kamara (back) out, the Saints’ first run went to none other than Taysom Hill. This isn’t a huge surprise, as the former quarterback has seen quite a bit of action at running back this summer, but Hill could very well be the team’s second-best runner behind Kamara.
Additionally, Hill also received multiple fullback assignments ahead of Adam Prentice. While Prentice has been busy with the starters, it’s worth noting that Hill has shown he can take over that position should the Saints decide not to have a traditional fullback on their initial 53-man roster. A fullback is important to the scheme Kubiak wants to implement, but perhaps the Saints decide Hill can do the job. At the very least, that’s something to keep an eye on before cuts come on August 27.
Rough Rattlesnake: Spencer Rattler’s turn to shoot the 2s this week, but the rookie quarterback failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Rattler was able to complete just 4 of 8 passes for 27 yards, was sacked twice and lost a fumble on his first possession when 49ers defensive end Alex Barrett made a strip sack. Rattler did lead a scoring drive, however, when Blake Grupe nailed a 52-yard field goal on New Orleans’ first series to open the third quarter.
Jake Haener, however, was unable to take full advantage of Rattler’s problems. The second-year quarterback completed 7 of 13 passes for 58 yards and was unable to hold off the Saints despite a drive to the 49ers’ 22-yard line.
Line folds: The Saints used their second preseason game to experiment with different lineups. Bryan Bresee started at defensive tackle ahead of Khalen Saunders, which has also been happening in practice recently. Will Harris was the starting safety opposite Tyrann Mathieu in place of Johnathan Abram, and that spot appears to be wide open. Landon Young filled in for the injured Taliese Fuaga, who missed Sunday’s game with a back injury. Tight end Dallin Holker was withdrawn at short notice after being injured during warmups.
Does anyone want to win the Saints punting battle?: Lou Hedley had punts of 37 and 36 yards and a touchback, although he punted from San Francisco’s 43. Matthew Hayball had longer punts of 46 and 50 yards, but the 49ers still started with better field position each time (at the Saints 42 and the 49ers’ 40).
