The games that are played first are overlooked while releasing the entire NFL schedule. Yes, the preseason is under discussion. In the exhibition games, position battles can be won or lost, however there are currently only three of them.
The New Orleans Saints will play two away games in the preseason in addition to their nine home games and eight road games during the regular season. Against NFC rivals will be two of the three games.
Along with the regular season schedule, New Orleans unveiled its three-game preseason schedule on Wednesday night. Let’s review the exhibitions that the Saints have scheduled for August.
Week 1: TBD – Saints at Arizona Cardinals (FOX)
Arizona and Kyler Murray are the first opponents for New Orleans in their preseason matchup. It will be interesting to observe how much of the Saints’ starting lineup they play.
Derek Carr only saw action in the first preseason week of the previous year. For the remainder of the preseason, Jameis Winston and Jake Haener handled quarterback reps. In the exhibitions, New Orleans might use Carr a little more because of Klint Kubiak’s new offensive plan. This game’s opening quarter might offer the finest preview of the attack in 2024.
Week 2: August 18th at 8 P.M. ET – Saints at San Francisco 49ers (FOX)
There’s little doubt that this clash will be unique from the outset. Though Carr and the offensive starters might receive some reps, this game should mark the start of the most significant positional battles for depth players.
Veterans who were recently signed as free agents and rookies will compete to establish their value on the team. One of the finest teams in the league, the 49ers, will have their depth tested in this game.
Week 3: TBD – Tennessee Titans at Saints (FOX)
The final opportunity for rookies to establish their potential as first-year contributions is this game.
I would guess that Carr, Olave, Kamara, and other starters won’t even suit up for this one, and that very few, if any, of them, will play more than a few snaps. To get ready for their Week 1 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, they will rest.
Although the Saints’ roster is talented, there is still a lot that needs to be worked out between training camp and the preseason.
Watch how they get through it to start the regular season.