Marginalia: Emptying the Notebook after Saints-Rams

Rattler's pass into triple coverage wasn't the only interception returned for a touchdown thus far this preseason.
- Jahdae Barron (Broncos) had a 97-yard INT return for a TD against every Saints fans' favorite team, the Falcons.
- Wade Woodaz (a linebacker for the Texans) raced 80-yards with a pick off for six points versus the Raiders Fernando Mendoza
- Junior Colson (Chargers) takes a 16-yard INT to the house against the 49ers.
So there were others, but none longer.

No Legs, No Energy

We can't tell you how many times we took notes of attempted arm tackles, lack of pursuit (or late pursuit), trailing the runners, turning in on a route instead of turning out. Here is just one example of what we made note of.

After writing down the lack of execution about a dozen times, we stopped writing it. We have referred to it before, but we'll say it again:
- Five game-like activities in less than ten days is too much for anyone. The 2s and 3s received the lion's share of the snaps in both preseason games. However, they also had snaps (including live tackling, blocking, catching, smashing, etc.) at the three joint practices during that span.
- Human bodies are not meant to endure that kind of physical abuse in that short amount of time. Though we cannot guarantee it will not happen again, we can almost guarantee the head knockers are looking into this.

Some Good and Not So Good Offensive Line Play

We made notes of some good blocks by Saints offensive lineman:
- #72 Asim Richards had an excellent block on a running play his way, clearing the way for a crooked number gain.
- #73 Easton Kitty showed good drive on a kickout block, springing the Saints for close to 9-yards on a running play.

You probably already knew the Saints were penalized almost as many times as they had first downs in the game (12-flags, 13-1sts).
- Early on, rookie O-lineman #65 Jeremiah Wright was called for a penalty that cost the Saints a first down.
If you haven't seen our PFF player scoring story, Wright is not doing well, scoring the lowest amongst offensive lineman in the two preseason games.
- #79 Alex Wollschlaeger was beaten by a Rams D-lineman that lead to heavy pressure on his quarterback.

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