NEW ORLEANS -- A few thoughts on the New Orleans Saints’ 27-13 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday:
What it means: The Saints’ starters finally gave an average, middle-of-the-road performance after struggling mightily in Week 1 and playing lights-out in Week 2. And that’s about what this team feels like at this stage of the preseason: middle of the road. The most important news is that quarterback Drew Brees looks primed for the regular season after playing just one drive, which started great before stalling at the 10-yard line. The defense remains a work in progress after allowing 10 points on the Texans’ first two drives and struggling with pass-interference penalties. But rookie defenders Hau’oli Kikaha, Tyeler Davison, Tavaris Barnes and Damian Swann made some nice plays, which was promising.
Play of the game: The Saints’ only touchdown was a doozy -- a 45-yard run by Edwin Baker in the third quarter. He took a pitch to the left and followed some key blocks, including one by offensive tackle Bryce Harris. Baker is a long shot as he’s still trying to land a permanent role with a team in his fourth NFL season, especially since rookie running back Marcus Murphy is thriving. But Baker has played a key role on some special-teams units, so he has a chance.
Stat of note: Third-year Saints quarterback Ryan Griffin entered the game with just 42 seconds remaining -- and he promptly threw an interception on his third pass. Griffin is still a promising young quarterback who may have a future as an NFL backup. But he looks a lot like the odd man out in New Orleans behind veteran backup Luke McCown and third-round draft pick Garrett Grayson.
Injuries of note: Second-year safety Vinnie Sunseri was carted back to the locker room during the first half with an unspecified injury. That left the Saints awfully thin at the position, with Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro both sitting the game out.
What’s next: The first round of cuts down from 90 to 75 has to be made by Tuesday. Then the Saints will turn around and play their final preseason game Thursday at the Green Bay Packers, with many starters expected to sit.
