Players Who Shined and Who Struggled for Roster Spots as declared by the Head Coach due to…
A look at which players made a strong push for a job and which ones perhaps played themselves off the roster in the preseason finale against Tennessee.
The New Orleans Saints closed out their preseason with a back-and-forth battle that resulted in a 30-27 home loss to the Tennessee Titans. New Orleans closes out their preseason with a 1-2 record. More important than preseason wins and losses, the Saints showed progress and promise through each of the three games.
Most of the New Orleans starters and several projected second-teamers didn’t suit up for the game. This was especially evident on the defensive side, where projected third-teamers or possible practice squad players started against the Titans offensive starters.
With most of the healthy scratches, it became clearer where they stand on the team’s roster and depth chart. Contrastly, many of the players on the field were making a last-ditch grasp for a roster spot.
Here’s who helped and who hurt their causes for a job against Tennessee.
Kibodi had an impressive afternoon, rushing for 59 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries while adding a 13-yard reception. While most of Kibodi’s production came in the second half, it was impossible to ignore his effort, burst, and ability to break tackles for extra yardage.
An undrafted rookie, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns product has had a quietly effective training camp. Along with his underrated burst, Kibodi brings excellent size at 6’1″ and 225-Lbs. He ended his collegiate career on a high note, rushing for 729 yards and seven scores in his first season as a featured back for Louisiana.
It’s hard to imagine Kibodi making this team. Jordan Mims looks like he’s locked up one of the spots behind Alvin Kamara, with veteran Jamaal Williams likely to get another after not even suiting up on Sunday.
Kibodi did make a great last-minute push for at least a practice squad spot at the very least. Perhaps even more, as his tape might have been enough to convince another team to add him to their active roster if released by the Saints.
Jacobson hurt his already slimming chances at the active roster with critical mistakes against the Titans. On offense, he dropped one pass, got little separation as a receiver, and made little difference as a blocker. His back-to-back penalties on a late fourth quarter kickoff turned Saints field position from their own 35 to their 15 on the team’s final drive.
A former collegiate basketball player, Jacobson got off to a strong start in camp. He cooled off considerably the last few weeks. With ample opportunity to seize control of a spot in the first two preseason contests, Jacobson wasn’t able to be any kind of difference maker as a receiver.
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