We are through two games into the preseason and the picture of this Saints team is starting to come into focus.
Players are earning or botching opportunities to make the final roster. With that in mind, here are three players that I think helped or hurt their cause in the less-than-pretty loss to Green Bay this week.
HELPED
PK JOHN PARKER ROMO
The UDFA was never really a threat to beat out Wil Lutz as the team’s placekicker. But there are 31 other teams that might have been interested and a missed a field goal from inside 40 yards late in the game won’t do him any favors. One of those teams could be the Packers, who had a front-row seat for that display. It was a moment that undoubtedly hurt his case to land on an NFL roster this season..
QB IAN BOOK
The former Notre Dame quarterback has been a turnover machine this preseason. Book botched yet another QB-center exchange that resulted in a fumble and turnover, and added a “bad luck” interception in the loss to the Packers. Book continues to increasy his chances of being let go and might be lucky to even make a solid case for the practice squad. Book has been underwhelming, to put it kindly.
OG CESAR RUIZ
Do not get me wrong, he is on this team and he is a starter. I just cannot help but continue to be frustrated watching him play. On a screen for running back Tony Jones Jr, Ruiz ended up being the one to bring down his running back 20 yards downfield. It, of course, was not intentional as he was pushed into his teammate. But Ruiz got turned around by a Packers defender and ended up out of position to make a block, resulting in a potential huge play turning into a not-top-10 nominee. It was a head scratching moment any way you slice it. Maybe it’s me, but man he’s frustrating to watch sometimes.
Related
HELPED
PK WIL LUTZ
Much like Ruiz Lutz is clearly on this team and is back as the rock-stead placekicker after missing all of the 2021 season. Lutz proved that his leg strength is back to pre-injury level when he booted a 59-yard field goal with room to spare. Earlier in training camp Lutz came up short on a 55 yard field goal that he’d traditionally have plenty of leg strength to convert, so it was reasonable to wonder if there were any lingering deficiencies in the strength department. That was three weeks ago. I don’t have those questions anymore. What a weapon!
LT TREVOR PENNING
The rookie left tackle looked much better in pass protection compared to the preseason opener against Houston. Penning is a highly scrutinized player for two obvious reasons. He protects the quarterback’s blindside at LT, and the Saints paid a premium to select him in the first round this year. Penning has the tools to dominate this league, he is just not there yet. In OL coach Doug Marrone we trust. Penning is going to play in this league at a high level for a long time. He might not start week 1 of this year but relax, he is going to hold down that position for a long time to come.
DT MALCOLM ROACH
The big guy up front at defensive tackle had a silly roughing the passer penalty penalty that extended a scoring drive. Co-Defensive coordinator and DL coach Ryan Nielson aggressively chewed out Roach on the sideline after the infraction. The way Roach responded with his play helps his case. The third-year UDDA gave the Packers offensive line fits with constant penetration up front. Roach will make this team.
Related
Lagniappe: WR Kirk Merrit saw his best opportunity slip right though his hands against Green Bay. Merrit was targeted multiple times in the passing game, but unable to record a catch. The former Destrehan High product had a deep ball go right through his outstretched arms late in the game, a play that would’ve been fit for the highlight reels if he’d held on. Merrit did turn in a nice 58-yard kick return while showcasing his athleticism, but he’ll have to do more than that to make this squad.