Three New Orleans Saints players feeling the most pressure in Week 2 of the preseason against 49ers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Aug 12, 2024 1:23 PM ET

There's plenty to unpack from a Week 1 preseason game that had highs and lows for the New Orleans Saints. Looking ahead to Week 2, performances to begin exhibition action point to certain players needing an impressive performance against the San Francisco 49ers.

Who is feeling the most pressure this week? Three players stand out to me right now.

3 Saints feeling the most pressure in preseason Week 2 vs. 49ers

Payton Turner, DL

Turner made a couple of notable plays on defense this past weekend. That being said, Chase Young, Carl Granderson, and Isaiah Foskey were all arguably more noticeable.

With increased depth around the defensive line, Turner has to start showing more of why the Saints took him as a first-round pick. Staying healthy should be at the top of his to-do list, but he also must find a role on the DL on a weekly basis. He's been unable to do that at any point in his pro career so far.

Defense was fun to watch in this game. Here’s a NASCAR rep with Cam Jordan and Bresee on the inside. Granderson and Chase Young on the outside.

This is 3rd & 15. One of the nice things about having Cam on the inside is he’s still a plus run defender. #Saints pic.twitter.com/RvZXKheIQb
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 12, 2024

Being a special teams lineman won't be enough for Turner to be appreciated whatsoever in 2024. He simply must perform on defense when given chances, or he will run out of them quickly.

Trevor Penning, OT

Seems to be a trend here. I thought Penning actually had an alright performance in Week 1 of the preseason against Arizona. That being said, New Orleans still needs more consistency from the young offensive lineman.

He lost against power moves on a couple of reps that looked a bit, well embarrassing, against the Cardinals. He, along with Oli Udoh, have to play cleaner as they both contend for more snaps on the New Orleans OL.

Penning. Oof. pic.twitter.com/SbYHlyG3MR
— Boat_Lawyer (@Boat_Lawyer) August 11, 2024

Jake Haener, QB

You may be yelling at me about Haener's solid performance in Week 1 against the Cards. I would agree with you! Haener played a good game, including the best throw of the game to A.T. Perry for a 58-yard completion.

HAENER TO PERRY FOR 58 YARDS!!!#Saints | : @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/jCBGKTF8wZ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024

This pressure more so stems from the strong play from rookie QB Spencer Rattler, though. He looked comfortable in his first pro action, and the rookie gunslinger certainly has plenty of supporters around the Saints fan base.

The backup competition between Rattler and Haener continues to heat up, and neither player is backing down. Expect more fiery play from both QBs in Week 2 against San Francisco. They've gotta stay hot.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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