The new-look New Orleans Saints started the 2025 preseason with a trip to Southern California to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Here are three things we learned in a 27-13 loss that won't hurt in the standings but exposed several weak points on the roster.
Quarterback questions
The Saints had been waiting for a chance to see their quarterback competition continue in a live-game setting. But the picture remains muddled. Spencer Rattler (7 of 11, 53 yards, lost fumble) was unspectacular in five scoreless first-half drives. Tyler Shough (15 of 22, 165 yards) was generally more steady and had by far the biggest play with a 54-yard touchdown to Mason Tipton but also an ugly interception returned for a Chargers touchdown. The search for the Week 1 starter continues.
Defensive debut
Our first look at Brandon Staley's defense was generally positive. Operating without starters such as Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Chase Young and Carl Granderson, the Saints held the Chargers backups to two offensive touchdowns (one after a third-and-long face-mask penalty prolonged the drive and one against fourth-stringers in the final two minutes). The defense had three sacks, including a near safety by Khristian Boyd, and allowed only 100 yards passing. One big negative: The Chargers gained 148 yards rushing at 4.4 yards per carry.
Doubting depth
At least on offense, nothing that happened Sunday will assuage concerns about depth, especially after injuries to starting guard Trevor Penning, second-string center Will Clapp and backup wide receiver Bub Means. The result was a makeshift offensive line that allowed five sacks, paved the way for a paltry 61 yards rushing and brought back strong memories of last year's injury-riddled unit. For the Saints to be successful, the depth either needs to improve or the starters need to stay on the field.