Saintswrath

The final preseason game of each NFL season is one that fans could really do without and most players probably could as well. All the players that is that aren't fighting for a roster spot and hoping to make one last and final impression. A lot of those in camp for the New Orleans Saints are really hoping to be wearing black and gold once final cut time arrives on Saturday, September 4.

As a whole, the Saints' starters have shown improvement by leaps and bounds over their initial preseason loss to the New England Patriots. Victories over the Houston Texans and San Diego Chargers at home show that Drew Brees and company are in midseason form and ready to defend their Super Bowl championship.

The defense is shaping up too and looking mighty good, but the lack of turnovers as opposed to the machine they were last season could be concerning. Maybe I'm just looking into it too much as it is the preseason, but hopefully the team can bring about the fumble recoveries and interceptions much in the same way as the championship season.

Virtually no starters will be playing in this game and that is an idea that couldn't be better by coach Sean Payton considering opening night against the Minnesota Vikings is exactly a week away. No sense risking an injury to a vital player or risking further damage to those nursing nagging problems already. Some players won't even be making the trip.

Players not traveling with the team: Darren Sharper, Clint Ingram, Jonathan Vilma, Tracy Porter, Zach Strief, Pierson Prioleau, Stanley Arnoux

All of those players have not yet been ruled out of the season opener and Sharper is actually hoping to be able to play against the Vikings. He has expressed his disappointment though in not being able to get on the field during the preseason.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey suffered a mild concussion during the Chargers' game and will be held out, but will be there in Tennessee.

Players like Drew Brees, Will Smith, and a great number of starters will likely be suited up but won't see any playing time because there is nothing left to prove for them. Others on the bubble or already assigned to the second and third teams will want to do everything they can to prove they are deserving of their spot on the Saints.

New Orleans Saints Vs. Tennessee Titans preview: 2010 preseason game four - New Orleans New Orleans Saints | Examiner.com

Saint_LB

Ya think?