The Rams got a first look at the Saints on Thursday in a joint practice, and before the teams meet again Saturday in the preseason, there’s plenty to sort through on New Orleans’ side.
One of the clearest themes coming out of camp is how comfortable Saints defenders look in Staley’s scheme. Players have been talking about feeling free inside the system, and the language around it keeps coming back to the same idea: fly to the ball, play fast, don’t overthink it. In year two of the installation, the group sounds like it has moved past the learning stage and into pure execution.
On offense, the receiver picture has taken shape behind Chris Olave, who is fresh off a new contract extension, and Devaughn Vele, the big-bodied possession target working as the No. 3 receiver. Draft picks Bryce Lance and Barion Brown have been among the more promising names in camp, though Lance missed last week because of some training camp bumps and bruises. Both players can run, and both have flashed on crossing routes, but they’re still the kind of receivers who can really threaten the field vertically.
The quarterback situation has also settled in one major way: Shough is the starter. Tyson and Shough had been building chemistry through camp, and both credited a summer trip to San Diego to visit Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.
Brees reportedly walked them, along with a few other offensive players, through how he prepared for a season. Shough will miss Tyson’s athletic ability, but the bigger picture is clear.
The competition now is for the backup job, with last year’s early-season starter Spencer Rattler and former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson battling for the No. 2 spot.
Shough has looked the part. Against a strong Cowboys first-team defense on Tuesday, he threw a pair of touchdowns and delivered several impressive touch passes when a receiver split a sideline zone.
He has shown a good feel for Moore’s offense, doesn’t seem to hesitate, and carries himself with a confidence that stands out for a player with only two years in the league. He’s also 26, turning 27 in late September, and that age is part of the conversation.
Saints fans, though, seem more than ready to move forward with him. They’ve been worn out by the quarterback-du-jour routine since Brees retired, and when Shough led the pregame huddle on the field - even though he was dressed down and not playing - the Superdome crowd erupted.
Two of the biggest position battles to watch are at wide receiver and running back. With Tyson out for an undetermined amount of time as of now, the fight for the No. 3 and No. 4 receiver jobs is going to be intense. The expectation is that six receivers will make the final 53-man roster.
One more name worth watching is Bub Means. The Saints took him in the fifth round in 2024, but injuries have kept him off the field for much of his young career.
In preseason game No. 1 last week, Means graded as the highest receiver by PFF and the second-highest run blocker, trailing only starting tackle Asim Richards. He still looks like a bubble player, even with Tyson’s injury, but his performance against Jacksonville clearly helped his case.
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