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Key Takeaways: New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans | 2024 NFL preseason Week 3

Samson Nacua turns in the play of preseason for Saints

Aug 25, 2024 at 04:56 PM

Todd Graffagnini

1. Sunday Quick Hits

The New Orleans Saints wore their traditional black jerseys and gold pants while Tennessee wore all white. Most of the starters did not dress for the game, however left tackle Taliese Fuaga and right tackle Trevor Penning both started and played --- Like the first preseason game in Arizona, the Saints dressed just six wide receivers, A.T. Perry, Equanimeous St. Brown, Bub Means, Shaq Davis, and Samson Nacua. --- The Titans used their regular starters on offense and played the first two series, with their regular offensive line playing the entire first half. -- Louisiana natives and former Tulane Green Wave standouts Tyjae Spears and Jha'Quan Jackson made their return to New Orleans as members of the Titans. -- It appears Blake Grupe has taken the lead in the kicking job, as he attempted all kicks in the game, including three extra points, a 38-yarder from the right hash, and a 54-yarder from the left hash. Grupe's total number in all kicks the last month is 76 of 88 but made his last 12 kicks consecutively, including all 10 in the Caesars Superdome. Coach Dennis Allen also mentioned postgame that Charlie Smyth did not kick due to groin tightness -- The battle for RB3 heated up a little during the last preseason game. Jordan Mims and Jacob Kibodi had solid days, but the former ULL Ragin Cajun Kibodi really came on strong late, with 12 attempts for 59 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Though his last three attempts brought his yards per carry down three full yards due to the Titans selling out on the run when the Saints were trying to run the clock out. Mims rushed five times for 33 yards and also caught two passes for 14 yards. Both have made a case to make the final 53 and at worst a strong bid for practice squad players. Tune in on Tuesday to see how it shakes out.

2. Haener vs Rattler

One of the big storylines this training camp was who going to end as QB2 behind starter Derek Carr. Both Jake Haener and Spencer Rattlerr have received reps with the No. 2 offense all training camp long and also in the first preseason games. On Sunday, they alternated quarters, with Haener starting the game, and Rattler playing the second quarter. That pattern would continue with Haener playing the third, and Rattler most of the fourth. Rattler led a nine-play, 70- yard drive that took 4:22 off the clock, capped off by a touchdown pass from Rattler to Equanimeous St. Brown on a third-and- 11 from the Titan 21-yard line. Rattler's throw was perfect and toward the back right pylon of the Poydras Street end zone. Rattler would end up seven for 13 for 105 yards with the one touchdown, but engineered two touchdown drives. Haener was eight for 17 for 87 yards, but did make a couple of nice throws including a 24-yarder to A.T. Perry after play action. Allen was complimentary of both after the game and described the rotation of both quarterbacks as wanting to get them involved with more regular players than just strictly backups. Haener came on very strong during practice the past week, and Rattler, the ever confident rookie, has performed well during the preseason games. Another situation where Allen has some tough decisions to make.

Photos: Game Action | Saints vs Titans | 2024 Preseason Week 3