First quarter

This is not your typical final preseason game. New Orleans Saints Coach Kellen Moore said on Thursday most of the starters will play. So we will get to see the likes of Alvin Kamara, Erik McCoy, Juwan Johnson, Davon Godchaux, Chase Young, Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, Demario Davis, and Pete Werner for the first time in the preseason. More specifically, Spencer Rattler will get the start at quarterback, so he will get one more opportunity with the ones to prove his case for starting the opener against Arizona in two weeks. Can the Saints get the run game going early, taking some pressure off of Rattler and setting up the play action pass? It has been a bit of a struggle in the first two games, but Kamara also did not play in the games. We'll see if he can make an impact. Personally, I'm excited to see the first team defense go up against the new look Broncos offense orchestrated by former Saints head coach Sean Payton. The Saints first team defense has played very well during camp and in the joint practice against the Rams. Continuing that trend will gain positive momentum headed into the opener.

Second quarter

I expect the starters would be out by now, then again, as mentioned before, this is not your typical preseason. Rattler should get more snaps along with his running mates. McCoy should be out by this time, and that will continue to give reps to backup center Torricelli Simpkins III. Meanwhile, at wide receiver, there is only one or two spots tops up for grabs, so this quarter could be big for Cedrick Wilson Jr., Kevin Austin Jr, Dante Pettis, and Moochie Dixon. The punting battle is still in full effect as well, as we saw James Burnip and Kai Kroeger both punt during the Jacksonville game. I also expect to see the tight end battle continue. Treyton Welch really helped himself in the Jacksonville game with a couple of clutch catches and he continues to get meaningful reps in practice. Can he try and separate himself from the pack? Michael Jacobson, Jack Stoll, and Moliki Matavao will have opportunities as well. Will Rattler have a chance to run the two-minute offense again before half like he did at the end of the Jacksonville game that ended with the game-tying drive? We'll see if the situation presents itself. Also defensively, edge linebacker Isaiah Foskey will continue to get a lot of reps, lets see if he can get to the quarterback.

Third quarter

We do know Tyler Shough will be second in the rotation at quarterback and will get his reps after half. Shough and Rattler have had similar games in the first two preseason games, both started inconsistently with the ones and were very productive with the twos. Will that trend continue? Will the Shough-Mason Tipton combination continue to produce big plays as we have seen all camp? There is also a running back battle proceeding full steam. Hopefully the second team defense will force some three and outs leading to some extra possessions for the offense so these running backs can get more meaningful carries. This week, rookie Devin Neal will play (he has been hampered with a hamstring since the first couple of weeks of camp, so he should get his first live action as a Saint. Can he impress the coaches in such a small sample size? In a backfield with Kamara, Kendre Miller, Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr, Neal must make the most of his time in the game. DeMarco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, Danny Stutsman, and Jaylen Ford will continue to rotate at the inside linebackers spot, along with Isaiah Stalbird, who has really had a good camp and has also shined on special teams. Charlie Smyth should continue to handle place-kicking and kickoff duties by this time, as Blake Grupe one could argue has been Camp MVP and does not need to show anymore to the coaches.

Fourth quarter

The final quarter of preseason is always a conundrum. You want the clock to continue to roll in preparation for the regular season, but there are always a couple of final 53 roster spots that are up for grabs that these last 15 minutes can be very valuable. We did not see Jake Haener at all at QB in the Jacksonville game, but most assuredly he should get at least a series in the fourth quarter. It would be great to see Haener lead the team to some points, as he has really battled in camp despite limited reps. Its also another opportunity for the young defensive backs to make plays. Safety Jonas Sanker preserved the tie last week with his game ending interception and should continue his opportunities there. Rookies Jayden Price and Quincy Riley should still be in the game at cornerback as they continue to get tons of reps in preseason. Edge rushers Falil Diggs, and Chris Rumph will be unleashed at this time. This is when you can also make a team on special teams coverage and return. Will Velus Jones Jr be able to break one on a kickoff? Can Stalbird continue his outstanding play at the end of the game? Who on the offensive or defensive line can do enough to earn a roster spot. Enjoy the final tuneup on Saturday at noon on Poydras Street against the Broncos!!