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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
For the first time in years, the Saints are acknowledging a full rebuild. That also means a wide-open quarterback competition, with three passers under 26 vying to replace the retired Derek Carr. Rookie Tyler Shough carries the most draft capital, as New Orleans spent the No. 40 pick on him despite a meandering three-school college career. But the early returns have been rocky. After a Thursday practice collapse, Jeff Duncan called it “perhaps the worst two-minute drive in the history of the NFL.” He clarified the hyperbole but not the sentiment: “I’m not sure I've seen an offense lose yardage on three consecutive plays to start a two-minute drill. That's not what's supposed to happen.” The steadier hand, at least for now, belongs to Spencer Rattler. The second-year quarterback has taken the most first-team reps and brings the most NFL experience (250 dropbacks as a rookie). Rattler has shown clear signs of growth in his second camp. Back in May, Nick Underhill called him “really, really good,” and his momentum has only built since. Jake Haener, now in his third season, remains in the mix but hasn’t shown enough to overtake Rattler’s growing lead. Unless Shough levels out soon, this job appears to be Rattler’s to lose.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Alvin Kamara remains the unquestioned lead back entering his age-30 season. It’s been a quiet offseason for him, free from the contract, injury, and off-field issues that clouded prior years. Behind him, the depth chart is wide open. Rookie Devin Neal looks likely to make the roster, potentially at Kendre Miller’s expense. Miller has struggled to stay healthy and reportedly fell out of favor with the prior coaching staff. Matthew Paras even floated him as a potential surprise cut in June. Neither Clyde Edwards-Helaire nor Cam Akers has impressed yet, but both bring a level of reliability Miller may not offer. The Saints are likely to keep three backs behind Kamara, leaving one or two of these tailbacks on the outside looking in.
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