Saints snap count leaders on offense, defense, ST after preseason Week 1
The New Orleans Saints' first preseason game is over, resulting in a 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. We got a look at pretty much every player that was active for gameday this week, but some players most definitely stood out and got more playing time than others. Offense, defense, and special teams were all crucial to the success of the team this weekend, and will be critical if the Saints are to make a run during the season.
With that in mind, we now have the data showing the snap counts for each side of the football, so let's take a look at the top five on each side as well as some notable others.
Offense
1. WR Kevin Austin Jr.: 42 snaps
2. WR A.T. Perry: 39 snaps
3. TE Dallin Holker: 37 snaps
Tied-4. Stanley Morgan Jr.: 31 snaps
Tied-4. RG Tremayne Anchrum: 31 snaps
Tied-4. RT Jesse Davis: 31 snaps
Tied-4. LT Josiah Ezirim: 31 snaps
Tied-4. OL Kyle Hergel: 31 snaps
Tied-4. QB Spencer Rattler: 31 snaps
Analysis:
The Saints definitely wanted to get a look at their skill group players, with the top three receiving over 50% of offensive snaps. Kevin Austin Jr. received the most, and in his significant playing time only had one reception on six yards, and made minimal impact on special teams as well, a tough first game no doubt.
A.T. Perry had some doubts throughout camp as there were hopes he would show more flashes and take the next step, which he did in preseason Week 1 with 4 receptions for 85 yards, including a 58 yarder. Another undrafted free agent Dallin Holker also got a significant portion of playing time, and had 3 receptions for 24 yards, but one reception was also dropped and recovered quickly by the Saints. Stanley Morgan Jr. also had a minimal impact, with 1 reception for 13 yards on 4 targets.
Then we see the offensive lineman, with Anchrum, Davis, Ezirim, and Hergel (who tried out at left guard and center) getting the later snaps alongside Rattler at quarterback. Mixed in at the other tackle spot was Landon Young and Mark Evans II. This backup offensive line unit struggled mightily, as Rattler was under duress for most of his time on the field, which could be intriguing to watch pan out throughout the next few games and see how the depth rotates here.
Defense
1. DE Isaiah Foskey: 55 snaps
2. CB Rejzohn Wright: 45 snaps
3. DE Niko Lalos: 40 snaps
Tied-4. DT Khristian Boyd: 39 snaps
Tied-4. DT Kendal Vickers: 39 snaps
Analysis:
On the defensive side of things, Isaiah Foskey got the most snaps across all units of any player with 64 total between defense and special teams. Despite that, he ended the night without a tackle or any other statistic on the sheets. In Year 2 for the 2023 second-round draft pick, we are going to need to see more development to help his cause. Rejzohn Wright was a pleasant surprise on the other hand, getting many of the cornerback reps with the second and third pairings, and despite a slow start, he really started to work well into the role. He ended the night with 4 total tackles, 2 of which were solo, and held his own enough to receive significant snaps.
Niko Lalos was on the field for the third-most snaps on defense. He ended the night with one tackle (for a loss of yards) and a sack, while putting in some decent work at defensive end for the Saints.
Rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd has been notable in breakout talks, due to his athletic prowess and abilities during the offseason. He received a good share of snaps for himself, and held his own on the interior, forcing running backs towards the outside on many plays and taking on a few double teams to keep him in check. Alongside him was signee Kendal Vickers, coming from the Arizona Cardinals, who also looked decent in his playing time. Ultimately the defensive line has some significant depth compared to other positions, and it will be fun to watch pan out over the course of the next two games.
Special Teams
1. LB Anfernee Orji: 15 snaps
2. LB Mike Rose: 14 snaps
3. TE Kevin Rader: 12 snaps
Tied-4. LS Zach Wood: 11 snaps
Tied-4. LB Khaleke Hudson: 11 snaps
Analysis:
The Saints continue to favor linebackers on the kicking units. Orji ran with the kickoff and punt teams (as did Rose) as well as the field goal block squad (so did Hudson), and there's room for more help there with so many special teamers moving on in free agency. Helping out in the game's third phase can help these guys replace Zack Baun and Ty Summers.
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints snap count leaders on offense, defense, ST after preseason Week 1
