In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, changes are always on the horizon. This year, all eyes are on Klint Kubiak and his mission to reshape the New Orleans Saints offense in 2024. With the hope of returning to the playoffs, the Saints are looking to shake things up and make some noise in a tough NFC South division.
The preseason is just around the corner, and the Saints are gearing up to take on the Arizona Cardinals on August 10th. This matchup marks the seventh time these two teams have faced off in the preseason, with the Saints holding a commanding 5-1 record. While the Saints have a seasoned roster, there are some significant concerns lingering on the offensive front that need to be addressed before the regular season kicks off.
One of the key areas of focus for the Saints heading into the preseason is the offensive line. With questions looming at the left guard and right tackle positions, all eyes are on the coaching staff to make the right decisions. Trevor Penning, a former first-round pick, is set to start at right tackle but is transitioning from the left side where he struggled in his first two seasons. New offensive line coach John Benton has his work cut out for him in unleashing Penning’s potential. The left guard spot is up for grabs, with Nick Saldiveri and Lucas Patrick in the mix. Saldiveri, who was sidelined with a groin injury, is now healthy and ready to compete for the starting job. Patrick currently holds the position but will be challenged by Saldiveri’s athleticism, perfectly suited for Kubiak’s offense.
As the Saints look to navigate through the preseason, the offense is also dealing with some key injuries. Juwan Johnson is on the road to recovery from foot surgery, with hopes of being back on the field for week one against the Carolina Panthers. Taysom Hill is listed as the second tight end on the depth chart, with Foster Moreau expected to start. Behind them, Michael Jacobson and Dallin Holker are looking to make a name for themselves and secure spots on the final roster. Both tight ends bring unique skills to the table, with Jacobson’s red-zone threat presence and Holker’s prowess in the passing game. Despite his size limitations, Holker is primed to make an impact in Kubiak’s offense and help shape the new offensive identity of the Saints.
At the helm of it all is Derek Carr, who enters the 2024 season as the starting quarterback for the Saints. With a new offense to learn and prove himself in, Carr will need to hit the ground running. Kubiak’s quarterback-friendly system relies on the zone run scheme to open up play-action passes and maximize offensive output. In the backup quarterback battle, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler are going head-to-head for the coveted spot. Throughout training camp, both quarterbacks have shown promise, but it is Haener who is expected to ultimately win the role in Kubiak’s dynamic offense.
As the Saints set their sights on the 2024 season, all signs point to an exciting and transformative journey ahead. With Klint Kubiak at the helm, the Saints offense is poised for a new era of success and a return to the playoffs. Stay tuned as the preseason unfolds, and the Saints pave their path to glory.
