The New Orleans Saints are set to host the Tennessee Titans for their final preseason game at the Superdome in New Orleans this Sunday afternoon. The Titans are embarking on a new chapter under head coach Brian Callahan, who takes the reins as the team moves on from their star running back Derrick Henry. Meanwhile, the Saints will stick with quarterback Derek Carr for another season, looking to bounce back from a lackluster previous year. The kickoff for this matchup is slated for 2:00 pm EST.
Tennessee’s Fresh Start with Levis
Tennessee is entering 2024 with renewed optimism. With Callahan at the helm, the Titans are focusing on revitalizing both their offense and defense. The team has bid farewell to Derrick Henry and is now placing their trust in second-year quarterback Will Levis. Last season, Levis appeared in nine games, throwing eight touchdowns and four interceptions, while completing just over 58% of his passes. A new backfield will support him, featuring former Dallas Cowboy Tony Pollard. Additionally, the receiving corps has been bolstered with Calvin Ridley, veteran Tyler Boyd, and DeAndre Hopkins. This season, Levis must develop consistency and trust in his receivers, especially after struggling with mobility last year. Callahan, who previously helped develop Joe Burrow, is expected to guide Levis’s growth effectively.
On the defensive side, the Titans have appointed Dennard Wilson as their new defensive coordinator. With a wealth of coaching experience, Wilson aims to implement an aggressive style of play. He hopes to fully utilize Harold Landry III, who is now healthy after missing the entire 2022 season due to an ACL injury. Rookie T’Vondre Sweat from Texas will be pivotal in the defensive line’s success. The secondary will also benefit from the addition of L’Jarius Sneed, a former Chiefs cornerback, who is expected to strengthen the Titans’ pass defense.
As the Titans prepare for the regular season, they are unlikely to feature many starters in this final preseason game against the Saints. Key players like Landry and Boyd will likely be rested. Despite the changes, the Titans have ranked 12th in NFL scoring offense and boast a top rushing game, a positive sign following Henry’s exit. The team entered the preseason with the best rushing defense and is currently 11th in scoring defense. Callahan holds a 2-0 record in his first preseason as head coach.
Key Injuries: WR Treylon Burks, DE TK McLendon Jr., CB Chidobe Awuzie, and TE Josh Whyle are questionable.
Saints Seek Redemption with Carr
The New Orleans Saints are aiming for significant improvement this season, with quarterback Derek Carr hoping to elevate the team’s performance. Head coach Dennis Allen is facing pressure in his third year, after finishing with a 9-8 record last season. The Saints are contending in a competitive NFC South, with rivals like the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers showing improvement. Carr will once again rely on running backs Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, along with wide receivers Chris Olave and Rasheed Shaheem, and versatile player Taysom Hill.
Allen, who previously served as the Saints’ defensive coordinator, is under scrutiny to maintain the team’s defensive strength. The Saints struggled with their pass rush last year, prompting the acquisition of free agent Chase Young. In addition, rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry was drafted to bolster a strong secondary. The Saints finished with a top-10 scoring defense last season, thanks in part to their ability to create turnovers, but maintaining that success from year to year can be challenging.
The Saints may find it difficult to improve upon last year’s win total, given the strengthened competition in their division. With a current preseason record of 1-1, many starters will likely see limited action in their final exhibition game. The Saints currently rank 21st in scoring during the preseason and have shown mixed results with their ground and passing attacks. Defensively, they sit at 15th in scoring defense, with room for improvement against both the run and the pass. Allen’s overall preseason record now stands at 8-12.
Key Injuries: WR Rashid Shaheed, RB Kendre Miller, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, TE Juwan Johnson, and TE Dallin Holker are questionable.
Best Bets for Tennessee Titans vs. New Orleans Saints
In this matchup featuring numerous reserves, the Titans are favored to secure a victory. The Saints, while experienced, have struggled in their preseason games. Expect key players like Carr and Kamara to be sidelined as Allen prepares the team for the upcoming regular season. Their conservative approach has resulted in low rankings in several categories such as scoring and total yards allowed.
The Titans, meanwhile, are in a better position with a new coach instilling a fresh culture in the team. Callahan has already made an impact, with the Titans showing promising offensive depth. Malik Willis, a third-string quarterback with valuable game experience, could play a crucial role in this game. Levis and Mason Rudolph may see limited action as they secure their roles, while Willis may be fighting for a spot on the roster.
