Saints close out the preseason dropping their first home game of the season to the Titans

The Titans defeated the Saints 30-27 in the team's preseason finale.

Analysis:

• The majority of the first team was not dressed for today’s game. QB Derek Carr, S Tyrann Mathieu, LB Pete Werner, DE Chase Young, FB Taysom Hill, TE Foster Moreau, RB Alvin Kamara, CB Alontae Taylor, DT Bryan Bresee, C Erik McCoy, G Cesar Ruiz, CB Paulson Adebo, DT Nathan Shepherd, LB Demario Davis, LB Willie Gay, G Lucas Patrick, WR Cedrick Wilson, DE Carl Granderson, WR Chris Olave, DL Khalen Saunders, WR Rashid Shaheed, S J.T. Gray and CB Marshon Lattimore were inactive.

• Spencer Rattler shined on his first drive. He and the offense moved the ball 70 yards in nine plays, culminating in a 21-yard touchdown pass to Equanimeous St. Brown. He later threw a 33-yard pass to A.T. Perry that set up a Jacob Kibodi touchdown.

• St. Brown had a solid day. He had three receptions for 40 yards and the TD.

• Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning both got reps today. Penning stayed on the field longer than Fuaga, playing deep into the second quarter.

• Oli Udoh got starting reps at right guard with Ruiz not dressing. He also played right tackle after Penning checked out of the game.

• Blake Grupe got all the field goal and extra point attempts with Charlie Smyth limited by groin tightness. Grupe hit from 54 yards late in the second quarter.

• Jacob Kibodi flashed today, rushing for 59 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

• Samson Nacua nearly had the play of the preseason. He returned a field goal attempt 106 yards but finished just short of the goal line to end the first half.

• A.T. Perry led the team in receiving. He had two receptions for 40 yards. A nice performance from a player who needed it.

• Jake Haener would have had a touchdown pass to Perry if not for a holding penalty against Josiah Ezirim. He only threw for 87 yards Sunday.

• Monty Rice forced a fumble in the third quarter, the team's only takeaway during the game.

• Rico Payton had a big play flying in for a sack on Malik Willis to start the third quarter.

• Jordan Mims had some key first downs extending drives.

What the coaches are saying

Dennis Allen's key point:

Now that the preseason has closed out, the last step is final cutdown day. The roster has to go from 90 to 53 by Tuesday. Allen and the coaching staff have to sever ties with players they have spent the spring and summer with. "These guys put their heart and soul into this," Allen said "Young guys, vet guys, and so it's always a tough deal. ... On the flip side, to see some of this hard work pay off is also just as gratifying as it is difficult on the other end."

What the players are saying

Spencer Rattler's key point:

Nick wrote an insightful story detailing Rattler's day and the buzz surrounding him. Rattler feels that he has improved and still can grow. "I feel like I've taken steps where I need to," Rattler said. " Obviously not anywhere near where I want to be, so continuing to strive for perfection every day."

Equanimeous St. Brown's key point:

St. Brown made a name for himself as a reliable target during Sunday's game. On the TD, he said he knew it was up to him to make a play. “I knew it was outside leverage. I knew the keys to get outside and I just really had to do a job, make a play and go outside. Spence threw a perfect ball, so it's just my job to make a play,” St. Brown said.

Jacob Kibodi's key point:

After growing up in Baton Rouge and ending his college career in Lafayette, Kibodi had never played in the Superdome until Sunday. After a two-touchdown performance, his game in the Dome was one to remember. "That was a dream come true, being from Louisiana that's a blessing," Kibodi said. "I went to UL-Lafayette and we had two bowl games here ,and I wasn't able to play in them. It's crazy, but I played now and I told myself God saved this moment for me right now. So I was glad I was able to come out here and have a good showing."

Monty Rice's key point:

There weren't many standout plays made by the defense. Payton had a solo sack, while Jack Heflin and Kendal Vickers combined for another. The play of the day on defense was a forced fumble by Rice when he jarred the ball loose from Jabari Small early in the third quarter. “From what I remember, the guards pulled and I just went over the top and made a play. Got my hand on the ball and able to help the team," Rice said. “We harp on getting the ball out. That’s coach DA’s thing, top-down punchouts, so I’m just happy we could help the team and set up the offense with a short field so they could go get some points for the team.”

Anfernee Orji's key point:

Orji has been a workhorse at linebacker throughout training camp. He has played all three positions and looks to continue to grow. "The biggest mental shift is to know which one (position) I'm playing," Orji said. "It could be one play I'm at Mike, the next play I'm at Sam and the next play I'm at Will. So just being able to know which position I'm in, I feel that's the hardest part. But the moment I know, 'you're Mike here,' then I know what to look for, know my keys and just go out there and play."