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The New Orleans Saints continued to showcase promising defensive depth in a 28-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams in their exhibition finale Thursday (Aug. 30) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Taysom Hill and the running game also looked good in a game in which many bubble players made their case for a roster spot.



Here are 7 observations from the game:

Stupendous Stupar
Nate Stupar had one of the most impressive preseason performances in recent memory, making huge plays throughout the night in the New Orleans Saints' rout of the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason finale Thursday (Aug. 30) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Seven tackles. Three sacks. Three tackles for loss. One interception. One fumble recovery. It’s an incredible stat line, especially for a player who was on the bubble coming into the preseason finale.
Stupar didn’t have a perfect night as he had a penalty on one punt defense and fumbled the ball after his interception, but those errors are easy to overlook because of his other incredible plays.
The 30-year-old linebacker always seemed to be in the right spot and timed his blitzes well. Based on this performance, it’s going to be tough for the Saints to cut Stupar, even if they keep five other linebackers.

Linebacker lineup
The most surprising aspect of Thursday’s game was that Demario Davis and A.J. Klein started. The majority of the starters that had been healthy throughout the summer received the night off, but coaches clearly wanted Davis and Klein to get some extra work after some issues with the run defense last week.
And the run defense wasn’t exactly great to start the game as the Rams had gains of 16 and 9 yards on their opening drive while Davis and Klein were on the field.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone had an interception to end that opening drive, but as the season approaches, there are some legitimate concerns about the play of the likely starting linebackers.
Meanwhile, in addition to Stupar, Craig Robertson had a fantastic game, using his speed to make plays all over the field. Robertson finished with three tackles, one for loss, one sack and one pass defensed.
Davis and Klein are presumed to be the primary linebackers this season with Anzalone or Manti Te’o as the third guy in base defense, but Robertson made a case to have a role.

Taysom's talent
By trading for Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday (Aug. 29), the Saints sent a clear message that they’re not ready to entrust the backup quarterback job to Taysom Hill, but that news clearly didn’t affect Hill on Thursday (Aug. 30) as he had a dazzling performance in the first half.
Hill finished 10 of 17 for 159 yards with a touchdown and a 109.7 passer rating, and a couple of his passes were beautiful, including one down the seam to tight end Dan Arnold in the second quarter.
Hill also added three carries for 31 yards, including an 18-yard scramble that converted a fourth down. The second-year quarterback was efficient both with his arm and legs, and once again showed why the Saints are so enamored with his talent.
With the Saints adding Bridgewater, Hill will likely be the No. 3 quarterback and play heavily on special teams, but he showed growth throughout the preseason.

McEvoy's intro
The Saints didn’t waste any time seeing what newly-added wide receiver Tanner McEvoy could do. McEvoy, whom the Saints signed Wednesday, was on the field covering the opening kickoff.
The 6-foot-6 receiver didn’t play any offense, which is understandable considering he had just one day with the team, but coaches obviously wanted to see how he could handle duties on kickoff, though nothing really stood out Thursday.
Special teams is probably a key reason the Saints added the third-year pro, who previously played for the Seahawks. He blocked a punt in 2016 and had four special teams tackles last year.

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SmashMouth

saintfan

Maulet might be the guy we all overlooked tonight. He played well.

Cruize

He did. But. if it comes down to a choice between he and Hardee, I'm taking Hardee. Bigger, stronger, and has more of an upside. Jamerson actually made a play or two as well. Some darn good players are going to get cut.

ChrisXVI

AJ Klein continued to be terrible failing to shed blocks or keep contain.

K Major

XVI,

You called (see Oakland/Carolina game) this right after we signed him 2 seasons ago. He's been exposed. This is very, very concerning heading into week 1. I never read PFF as the gospel but they've consistently ranked him as poor/below average. Its really showing.

There is no way AJ should be a starter. I can count on 2 fingers how many plays he's made all camp. Last night he gave up containment that a starter should NOT make. Getting pancaked by a 2nd tier WR & this guy isn't injured.

No excuses ... he's a bad linebacker & a liability on the field.

On the flip side, Craig is limited athletically but he makes plays. Kudos to Stupar last night. I saw heart and desire.

“Winning is a habit, but losing is too.” Russell Wilson

SmashMouth

So Klein gets cut and we keep Kikaha?

K Major

I don't think Klein is cut but he's definitely not a starter. He's a rotation piece at best. As Pat Swilling pointed out last night, the starters on next week should be Davis, Anzalone (had a good game) & Craig (all he does is make plays with the 1's, 2's and 3's). AJ almost reminds me of James Laurinitus. Out of position, getting over powered & confused at times.

I just hope Allen/Nolan don't repeat this trend of playing a guy "just because" like they did with Devante Harris last year. It cost us two games. Play the best player. As for Kikaha, the guy looks slow. He could get the tap (cut).

The Grim Reaper is coming on Saturday at 3 p.m. cst.

“Winning is a habit, but losing is too.” Russell Wilson

Thirty3

This::I just hope Allen/Nolan don't repeat this trend of playing a guy "just because" like they did with Devante Harris last year. It cost us two games. Play the best player.

Rugby Saint II

My concerns at LB'er just got more intense. Has Davis even played a snap at MLB? Klein won't get cut but he'll see limited playing time in the rotation hopefully. He can't shed blocks or make tackles......what good is he?