The Saints are embarking on new a era this weekend, and there's more than enough to keep fans entertained.
The post-Drew Brees era begins -- well, in the preseason -- Saturday evening on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.
There has never been this much intrigue surrounding the Saints in the Sean Payton era. As the Black and Gold kick off another year of game action, here are the top five things to keep an eye out for.
TAYSOM VS. JAMEIS
Pool photo by David Grunfeld/NOLA.comThe quarterback battle is and will be the most-watched part of the preseason for any Saints fan.
Coach Sean Payton didn't outline exactly how much each quarterback will play in the first preseason contest of the year, but he said both will play, and the starter will flip for Week 2. Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill have had their moments of good, bad and ugly during camp so far. The bottom line measurable for any quarterback is points. Whoever leads their offense on positive, productive drives will likely gain the edge in the QB battle.
WHO IS THE CB2?
Pool photo by David Grunfeld/NOLA.comWith Patrick Robinson retiring earlier this week, the gap of competition is even wider for the cornerback spot opposite Marshon Lattimore. Robinson was the early frontrunner to man that position. Now it's likely down to veteran cornerbacks Ken Crawely and Prince Amukumara as the leaders in the clubhouse.
Also keep an eye on rookie Paulson Adebo, who I think is gaining ground with his performance so far in camp.
WHO STEPS UP AT WR?
Pool photo by David Grunfeld/NOLA.comWith Michael Thomas down for the foreseeable future, the receiving corps is undoubtedly a position of high interest.
WR Marquez Callaway looks like he'll be the No. 1 target with Thomas out. Beyond No. 1, the race is wide open. Ty Montgomery was moved to receiver full-time early in camp after spending most of his NFL career as a running back. Veteran Chris Hogan has impressed at times, but by and large the receiving corps has had trouble creating separation in camp.
JUWAN JOHNSON WATCH
The former Oregon wide receiver -- and now tight end -- might be the most interesting player in camp so far.
Every day he's made a couple of freakish catches that raise eyebrows. Johnson came to New Orleans as an undrafted free agent last season, but after a year in the Big Easy the Saints have converted his now 240-pound frame to a new position. He has red-zone mismatch written all over him. He could develop into a really nice find for Sean Payton and company.
WILL JALEN DALTON STAND UP?
Pool photo by David Grunfeld/NOLA.comThe Saints are looking for some help on interior defensive line after losing Malcom Brown and Sheldon Rankins in the offseason.
The second-year player Jalen Dalton was on the Saints practice squad a year ago, but has flashed at times in camp and is making a bid for the final roster. If he continues to be disruptive against the Ravens that will solidify his bid even further. Dalton isn't just a run-stopper, he's also making noise as a pass-rusher at times during camp.
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Lagniappe: I usually don't get too excited about preseason games, but I find myself looking forward to this one more than any other that I can remember.
There is so much unknown with this team, the curiosity is pretty high. What I really can't wait to see: Who's the player that hasn't stood out in camp that finds a way to make an impact in the preseason? There is always one or two guys that we don't talk about in camp, but somehow find a way to make us talk about them after the first exhibition game.
