The Saints kicked off Week 1 of the 2025 preseason with a defense-first focus, rotating through backups on the edge as veterans rested. Chris Rumph II started at defensive end after the Saints’ top pass-rushers were held out, and a second-play offsides penalty briefly stalled the drive. New Orleans still forced a punt, thanks to Isaac Yiadom breaking up a pass from Taylor Heinicke on third down. The sequence underscored the Saints’ ongoing evaluation of depth pieces behind Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson, with Isaiah Foskey in a tight battle for a roster spot.

Rumph II’s early audition is critical for fantasy managers eyeing Saint edge-waxers beyond the obvious anchors. Foskey’s continued development looms large for a pass-rush upside inshallah, particularly in dynasty leagues where cheap, role-based contributors can pay off. The Jets and Chargers previews aside, the Saints must decide who mans the edge when Jordan and Granderson rest—this game was a practical, data-filled test.

On the back end, Isaac Yiadom’s early breakups offered a hopeful note for a secondary eager to prove versatility. Heinicke’s aerial attempts gave the defense a live test, even if the drive produced limited long-term gains. Clean technique and consistent pressure will be the themes as New Orleans uses August to refine its depth and establish a clearer path to the 53-man roster, especially against teams like the Chargers who push the balance of run and pass in preseason contexts.