Saints get an “A” grade for the preseason

While the New Orleans Saints went “only” 3-1 in the preseason, it was still a productive preseason for the team. It should come as no surprise then, that Bleacher Report gave the Saints an “A” grade for the preseason:

The New Orleans Saints own one of the NFL’s deepest rosters, and it showed during the preseason.

The wide receiver position is loaded, and Tre’Quan Smith’s big-play potential and a now-healthy Cameron Meredith make this group even more interesting. The Saints can keep six and still cut Tommylee Lewis and Austin Carr.

Running back is nearly as deep—which will play a major factor since Mark Ingram II will miss the first four games after violating the policy on performance-enhancing substances. Obviously, Alvin Kamara is the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, but a rotation will commence with Trey Edmunds, Jonathan Williams and Boston Scott.

Obviously, this was before the Saints released Edmunds and Williams (the latter of whom was later re-signed to the practice squad) and brought in former Patriots RB Mike Gillislee. But, the point still stands, just remove Edmunds and Williams from that analysis and add Gillislee.

Eleven-time Pro Bowler Drew Brees orchestrates the offense, and the franchise has a long-term quarterback plan in place after acquiring Teddy Bridgewater from the New York Jets on Wednesday. Bridgewater has a one-year deal, yet it’s unlikely the Saints will let the 25-year-old signal-caller leave after this season.

The New Orleans defense may not be as deep, but it’s improved after the additions of linebacker Demario Davis, nickel corner Patrick Robinson and first-round defensive end Marcus Davenport. Free safety Marcus Williams’ continued development shouldn’t be overlooked either.

”He’s going to put the league on notice for who he is,” Cameron Jordan said of Williams, per USA Today’s Jarrett Bell.

The Braves trade for Bridgewater helped carry the Saints to an A grade, the same grade the Saints fans gave the trade immediately after the move was made.

Across the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons were given a “D,” the Panthers got a “B+,” and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came in with an even “C.”