Bryce Lance picked a good moment to keep rolling.
The Saints’ fourth-round rookie turned in another strong showing Thursday in a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams, and this one only added to the buzz he’s been building all offseason. Per LouisianaSports.com’s Ross Jackson, Lance caught all five of his targets from Tyler Shough and finished with two touchdown grabs. The most eye-catching work came downfield, where he kept winning in contested situations and looked like a real problem for the Rams’ corners.
Kellen Moore liked what he saw afterward.
“Good work,” Kellen Moore said. “Contested catches against really talented corners.
These guys have some really good players on their defense. That was awesome for him.”
Lance’s rise matters even more now because Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss about two months with a hamstring injury. That opens the door wider for Lance, who is now arguably the third receiver on the depth chart and should get plenty of snaps once the games start counting. For the Saints, the task is simple: he needs to become a trustworthy target for Shough and help replace some of Tyson’s production while he’s out.
That’s why the way Lance has looked in camp should matter to fans. He’s a rookie, but he’s already playing like someone who knows where he’s supposed to be and how to get there with Shough. The connection between the two has shown up enough now that it’s hard not to notice.
And the fit makes sense. Lance brings a vertical element that can change how defenses line up.
He can threaten deep, win on contested balls, and force coverage to open up underneath for the rest of the offense. He also gives Kellen Moore another player who can create explosive plays down the field.
It’s still training camp, and nobody should get carried away. But Lance has done enough to suggest he can be a real part of the Saints’ offense as a rookie, especially with Tyson sidelined. If he keeps giving Shough a dependable option early, that could go a long way toward unlocking the offense.
In Other News...
Saints Got An Early Warning Against A Serious NFC Contender
The joint practice in Los Angeles offered the Saints an early look at just how sharp the Rams can be when their offense is clicking. Matthew Stafford looked comfortable and efficient, with Davante Adams emerging as a clear problem for New Orleans to sort through, while tight end Terrance Ferguson and receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington also found ways to make plays. Puka Nacua was out, but the rest of the Rams' passing group still gave the Saints plenty to process.
There was some unevenness behind Stafford, with backup quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson both working through rough stretches before settling in a bit, and Bennett appearing slightly ahead of Simpson. On the other side of the ball, Josaiah Stewart made his presence felt as a disruptive defender, while punter Ethan Evans had some accuracy concerns that stood out. For the Saints, it was the kind of practice that can be useful not just because of what was done well, but because it showed where a contender can still expose openings. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Fans Will Recognize Plenty In Devin Neals New Number
As the Saints head toward their Sept. 13 opener against the Lions, Devin Neal is already carrying a number that will look familiar to long-time fans. The rookie running back, battling for the third spot in New Orleans backfield, will wear No. 24, a jersey that has had plenty of life in black and gold over the years.
It is a number with a traceable Saints history, worn by 25 other players before Neal. For fans who like connecting new names to old ones, it offers an easy little bridge between eras, especially with training camp roster battles still unfolding and the season opener still just ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Face A Roster Squeeze That Could Decide Several Jobs
With the preseason winding down, the Saints are sorting through a roster picture that still has several jobs hanging in the balance. Running backs Kendre Miller, Devin Neal and Ty Chandler are all trying to make the case for one of the limited spots available, while kicker Charlie Smyth is under pressure to sharpen his performance before the team has to make hard decisions.
The competition goes beyond the backfield, too, with Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler battling for backup quarterback duties as the cut deadline approaches. On the perimeter, Bryce Lance, Kevin Austin and Barion Brown have been getting more chances because of injuries and rest days, giving the Saints a longer look at players who could matter when the roster finally gets trimmed. [Read more 🡒]