Philly Leader

The Eagles will travel to New Orleans in Week 3 for a matchup with the Saints. The Saints aim to improve from their 9-8 record last season, during which they won four of their last five games. They have hired a new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, and made several additions through the draft and free agency as they enter Year 2 with quarterback Derek Carr.

In the 2023 season, the Saints finished second in the NFC South with a 9-8 record. Key additions to the team include Chase Young, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Willie Gay. Notable losses are Michael Thomas, Jameis Winston, Zack Baun, and Andrus Peat. Their top draft picks are Taliese Fuaga (Round 1, Pick 14), Kool-Aid McKinstry (Round 2, Pick 41), Spencer Rattler (Round 5, Pick 150), and Bub Means (Round 5, Pick 170).

As Training Camp progresses, NewOrleans.Football writer Nick Underhill shared insights on the Saints' major storylines.

"The thing that will likely determine the Saints' season is how their offensive line comes together," said Underhill. "Ryan Ramczyk is going to miss the season with a degenerative knee issue; Andrus Peat departed in free agency this offseason; and James Hurst retired."

Underhill added that Taliese Fuaga will be moved to left tackle while former first-round pick Trevor Penning will attempt to secure the right tackle position after struggling at left tackle over the past two seasons.

Regarding new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak's impact in his first year, Underhill noted: "New Orleans is hoping for a more put-together offense under Klint Kubiak. Many star players talked last year about how it felt like there was a lack of accountability on the offensive side of the ball, and Kubiak has been the opposite of that." He further explained that Kubiak's system emphasizes play-action and motions—elements expected to simplify reads for Derek Carr.

On high draft picks' roles early on: "Fuaga should start at left tackle and Kool-Aid McKinstry will battle with Alontae Taylor for the starting spot at slot cornerback with Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo locked into roles on the outside," said Underhill. Spencer Rattler will compete with Jake Haner for the backup quarterback position.

Under-the-radar players who could make an impact include tight ends Dallin Holker and Michael Jacobson. According to Underhill: "Undrafted rookie Dallin Holker looked great all spring, and Michael Jacobson, a converted basketball player, also looks like he is coming into his own."

– Compiled by Liam Wichser