It's important to remember the preseason isn't about winning or losing games. You can see proof of that in the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars both confirming that they'll be resting their starters on offense and defense for Saturday's first exhibition game. The final score doesn't matter.
But that's not to say there aren't battles to be lost or won. Even if the first-string units aren't dressing out, plenty of guys on the second and third teams will be competing. There are roster spots up for grabs at almost every position group. Here are the questions you should be asking and where you should be watching in Saturday's matchup.
Who is playing on special teams?
Last year, three of the six players who logged 30 or more special teams snaps made the 53-man roster: linebackers
Isaiah Stalbird and Jaylan Ford, plus cornerback Rejzohn Wright. Linebacker Nephi Sewell and cornerback Jayden Price were waived and re-signed to the practice squad immediately after roster cuts. The one who got away was linebacker D'Marco Jackson, who the Chicago Bears claimed off waivers and signed to an extension this spring. Logging a lot of snaps in the kicking game isn't enough to lock up a roster spot on its own, but the guys who are showing the most utility in this phase are going to help their case.
Which wide receivers hit the field first?
The only certainty about the receiving corps is the three guys on top of it: Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Devaughn Vele. We aren't expecting any of them to play against Jacksonville after the Saints announced their starters will sit this one out. That opens the door for receivers further down the depth chart -- not just rookie draft picks like Bryce Lance and Barion Brown, but experienced backups looking for more opportunities. If Bub Means, Trey Palmer, and Kevin Austin Jr. get into the game early with the rest of the second-string offense? That suggests they're ahead of their competitors for the final roster spot at wide receiver.
What about the offensive line?
The starters are set, but losing swing guard Dillon Radunz to a season-ending injury hurts the depth chart. We're expecting backup center Torricelli Simpkins III and rookie fourth-round right guard Jeremiah Wright to play a ton of snaps. The other three spots around them get interesting. Rookie tackles Alex Wollschlaeger and Alan Herron led the team's undrafted free agents in contract guarantees, but they're still on the third-string, at least right now. This is an opportunity for them to start climbing ahead of veterans like Asim Richards and Barry Wesley. Look for William Sherman, Easton Kilty, and Xavier Truss to try and stand out, too.
Why is the kicking competition still stretching out?
Neither candidate has taken a clean edge over the other. Charlie Smyth, who replaced Blake Grupe at midseason last year, has been spotty from different distances throughout training camp. Tanner Brown has been more consistent but a recent miss from more than 50 yards out didn't help his case. Both kickers are expected to compete in the preseason games, and these trials-by-fire are the best chance they'll have to separate from one another. Hitting their kicks, whatever the distance and circumstances, in a live game could be the deciding factor.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: What to watch in the Saints' first preseason game vs. Jaguars
