Preseason Action: Saints Face 49ers in Close Contest

Santa Clara, California – The New Orleans Saints continued their preseason journey on Sunday, August 18, 2024, facing off against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Despite showing promise in the first half, the Saints fell short with a 16-10 loss, making it a disappointing outcome for the team. However, there were still notable performances and highlights worth mentioning.

The Saints’ first-team offense came out strong, dominating the first quarter. Quarterback Derek Carr executed a remarkable 16-play, 95-yard touchdown drive. Carr completed seven of his nine passes for 47 yards before making way for backup players. He showcased great chemistry with Taysom Hill, who plunged into the end zone on a crucial fourth down.

Defensively, the Saints made a statement. Carl Granderson and Chase Young were relentless, putting pressure on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. The duo’s efforts led to Purdy’s struggles, completing just two of six passes for a mere 12 yards before the 49ers found their rhythm.

Despite the early success, issues arose later as the Saints’ second and third-string quarterbacks struggled. Rookie Spencer Rattler lost a fumble, while second-year quarterback Jake Haener was unable to separate himself in the backup race behind Carr. Players who did not dress for the game included notable names like Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore, which left the team shorthanded and potentially impacted their performance.

After this matchup, the Saints have two open practices scheduled for this week, giving fans a chance to see the team in action. They will practice at Tulane on Tuesday and at the Caesars Superdome on Friday. The Saints will wrap up their preseason with a game against the Tennessee Titans at the Superdome, set to kick off at 1 p.m. on August 25.

While it wasn’t the final outcome the Saints hoped for, there are still many bright spots to reflect on as they gear up for the regular season.