I wont make a prediction on the game because its still too early. Here is what I do know.
Nick Fairley is having a great camp and getting a solid push up the middle consistently. Rankins was looking good before he broke his leg. In the Pats game ( I didnt watch) I read where he should have had a sack but they cut block him or something to that effect.
Tyler Davison will be the NT over Jon jenkins. He has been looking great at camp.
Opposite Cam Jordan is Kasim Edabali who had 5 sacks last year.
The LB corp looks to be improved with JLauranitis in the middle, Anthony at the SAM and Ellerbe/Craig Roberston on Weakside. Anthony was injured in the Pats game but is expected back in time for week1. Ellerbe and Roberston have been having a great camp so far covering TEs and WRs. Robertson quit counting how mnay pass break ups he has.
The secondary has Breaux who if healthy is a shutdown corner. Oppsoite is supposed to be Keenan Lewis, but Lewsi is injured as of now with his hip. Same garbage as last year with him. PJ Williams or Swaan will handle that side if Lewis cant go whcih I expect he is out.They have decent at camp but not on Breauxs level.
At safety Vaccaro is where he needs to be , in or around the box. He has having a great camp and has covered TEs better or so its reported but come game time I hope he isnt asked to do that. Harper is backing him up as a vet.
At FS Bell is the supposed starter. We have no idea what we have in him since he hasnt played in 3 years. I dont expect much. We drafted Bell as his replacement but so far Devante Harris has been the man at safety in camp.
They are really buying into Dennis Allen system. Last year we had problems with personnel. they got rid of the cancers and fired Rob Ryan. All indication is the defense should be improved. You cant get worse than last. No where to go but up.
Im not worried about the defense. They will be alot better than last year even it means only bottom 20.
What I worry about is the Oline. Peat was drafted 2 years ago and hasnt looked good. They are sticking him at RG where so far he is having trouble with stunts. Armstead at LT is a no brainer. He is good. The LG spot is a battle between Kelemete and Lelito. They arent above average. Unger at Center is an anchor and Strief at RT is getting up in age.
The skill positions have never been better. Brees has the best WRs he has ever had in his career with Cooks, Thomas, Snead and Fleener at TE. Spiller has finally put his injuries behnd him and is cutting like the Spiller of old. How long he holds up is a question. Ingram is ready to run the ball and should be as solid as last year.
Lasco was drafted in the 7th and so far he could be a steal.
What I didnt like was the penalties along the line in the Pats game. 93 yards. I know the refs are biased in NE but alot of those were on holding and false start. Stupid penalties But the thing is they were moving Peat at every position other than C in the line.
I think they have everyone finally penciled in along the Oline so we will see how it looks in the following games. If the penalties are still high and the fumbles continue. Oakland will be a great play.
If Brees has time to dissect the Raiders, it could be a shootout or a blowout, depending on the Saints defense.
We have a lot of time left to see what transpires with this team.