If there was ever a time for a longer preseason, this would be the year for the New Orleans Saints. While much of the focus is on the longer 17-game regular season, the preseason of only three games may change the philosophy a bit in 2021.Usually, there are four tune-ups before the start of the regular season for the New Orleans Saints. The fourth game in the past gave one extra look for the players on the bubble. That one game hasn’t got much attention in the past from casual fans, but make no mistake- plenty of rookies benefited from that one game.
New Orleans Saints Preseason Will Answer Crucial Questions
And this year, the condensed exhibition contests cut an extra game to evaluate. Of course, training camp provides plenty of tape to evaluate players, but in a non game type situation. Nothing replicates being on the field in live action. In addition, training camp becomes even more important than any other season.
Injuries or even COVID-related issues presents unique obstacles. Three weeks of game tape will favor players knowing the playbook. There is simply not enough time to screw around with players not putting in the time. Also, the mindset of having the extra game allowed players to get by in the past by making up for mistakes. A shortened deadline puts more pressure to learn quicker.
Risk Versus Reward
Also, there are going to be decisions needing to be made early on. In other words, how many reps do the starters get? Obviously, the battle between quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston is still an ongoing process. Could the Saints make a decision before the preseason? That’s a possibility. Regardless, more time on the field means more risk for a player to get injured in a long 17-game season.
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Furthermore, the major opponent for all teams will be the new Delta variant of COVID. Once again, the NFL is being clear about harsh discipline for teams during the regular season. However, a breakout during the preseason presents its own challenges. The Minnesota Vikings perhaps caught a break having most of their quarterbacks out with COVID related issues before August. Imagine if any of this happens around the opening of preseason. One quarantine puts a player out at least a game or two.
Undrafted free agents have usually one shot to make a team. They can prove themselves in training camp and make plays in games before the regular season begins. Unfortunately, second chances look to be sparse in 2021.
Learn Fast Start Fast
Who Dat Nation is more than familiar with slow starts during the Sean Payton era. Almost every single time, the team responds between Week 3 and Week 6. Payton says it every year. Those weeks are most critical for making changes to correct any early onset of sloppy play.
And with so many new faces at different positions (including quarterback), reps are never enough. Finding time to mentor players on an individual basis may be a bit more accelerated. Once again, players learning faster will provide a huge advantage this upcoming season. Self discipline is an asset even more sought after during the preseason.
On a positive note, having a stable coaching staff gives a slight upper hand in adapting to situations quicker. Sean Payton will be more than ready. The fuel making the train move always comes from the top. Players see that. Veterans knowing how to work with the staff is sometimes an afterthought. Make no mistake, the Saints bring plenty of wisdom to hand down to younger players new to the NFL. This one thing may bring dividends come December.
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