The New Orleans Saints covered some notable bases during the 2024 preseason. That being said, they are exhibition games. NFL teams hide plenty until the games actually count. The Saints' next game will.
Accordingly, they have plenty to figure out before the first snap of that game. Plus, they'll, along with fans and media, probably learn plenty about themselves in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
3 burning questions the Saints still have to find answers to
Who will start on the defensive line?
The entire defensive line unit is a bit up in the air. The expected starters are most likely Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson off the edge with Khalen Saunders and Bryan Bresee inside. If only one DT is in, Bresee may get that top nod to begin the year.
The edge rushers feel like a spot where New Orleans will keep a steady rotation. They have packages with Chase Young and Granderson out there, but we have also seen Jordan rush from the inside, too. Keep in mind that Payton Turner could get a bit of run as well since he is healthy.
All in all, the Saints will have to figure out which combinations mesh most effectively for their defensive line. There's a handful of intriguing pieces there, especially after Young's dominant preseason and camp.
How will Taysom Hill be used on offense?
Hill has never been a impactful factor in an offense not coached by Sean Payton and/or Pete Carmichael Jr. - until now.
Klint Kubiak is excited for the dynamic Hill brings to the unit, but we haven't gotten a full look at the utility weapon under the new offensive coordinator. Hill has been lining up in a ton of spots, including running back and fullback during the preseason and camp practices. Their creativity with him in the preseason was absolutely capped, to keep secrets in the bag.
Kubiak has a lot of faith in Taysom for this year's offense, and there's plan in place for him that fans have not got a true glimpse of quite yet. -- A to Z Sports
I'd expect Hill's usage to see a potential uptick in the red zone, and Kubiak seems to want to use his blocking ability for the traditional running backs, too. New Orleans has to find him ways to get the ball in his hands, but it could look noticeably different in 2024.
Will Trevor Penning be the starting right tackle?
The starting offensive line has not been revealed yet. Don't expect that to be known until just before the team kicks off in Week 1, either. Trevor Penning had an inconsistent preseason, and we don't know if he will start the season at RT. Oli Udoh is another option there.
Lucas Patrick seems like the top option for left guard as of now, but a surprise is possible there still. New Orleans needs Penning to step up and grab the starting tackle spot by the horns. He's yet to do that.
