There are 20 days left until the Saints open against the Cardinals, and Pete Werner is singled out as New Orleans’ Player of the Day as the franchise aims to rebound from a tough 2024. Werner, 26, is building into a centerpiece of the defense after a steady rise from his Ohio State days to a four-year NFL run characterized by sharp instincts and standout run defense. His season-long numbers have trended upward, and a three-year extension signed last summer cements him as part of the Saints’ rebuilding core while they push to manufacture more game-changing plays.

Under new defensive philosophy and a focus on turning a previously leaky unit around, Werner’s role is central to the plan. He’ll be counted on to accelerate the Saints’ front-seven tempo, complement veterans like Demario Davis, and help drive tangible improvements in tackling and disruption. The Week 1 matchup with the Cardinals becomes a telling early test for Werner and a defense hoping to set a confident tone for 2025.

New Orleans’ preseason opener vs. Los Angeles exposed a mixed bag for the Saints. Tyler Shough showed the most polish in Moore’s system, finishing with 15/22 for 165 yards, a TD and an interception, signaling a potential QB leader amid a crowded battle. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener struggled at times, while Mason Tipton flashed with a 54-yard catch that hinted at a late-round target ceiling. On the ground, the run game never found traction, and the o-line allowed pressure with backups in. Still, shrewd lineup moves emerged: Dillon Radunz took guard reps over Trevor Penning, suggesting durability and matchup planning could tilt the offensive line in Weeks ahead. Demario Davis anchored the defense, with rookie talents like Isaiah Stalbird flashing enough to keep fantasy watchers attentive. The Saints’ Week 2 tilt should sharpen the evaluative lens on the QB trio, the guard/ tackle combinations, and which newcomers can carve steady roles in Brandon Staley’s scheme.

Demario Davis fired up the Saints before their 2025 preseason opener against the Chargers at SoFi, a sign that New Orleans is balancing youth movement with veteran leadership as a new coaching staff takes the helm. The message: focus on the Saints and dominate every facet of the game, not the opponent, as roster battles heat up for Week 1 roles.

The piece centers on roster development and cut-day uncertainty, highlighting how August reps will shape which youngsters earn meaningful snaps and which veterans hold their spots. Fantasy owners should watch for depth-building performances on defense and special teams, along with potential sleepers who could carve out Week 1 roles in a fast-moving Saints depth chart.

In short, this preseason kickoff is a testing ground for a young, evolving Saints so the coaching staff can evaluate options and establish who might contribute in September. The Chargers provide a tough test, but the headline remains the Saints’ path forward and the sleeper opportunities that could bloom in August for fantasy rosters.

Demario Davis, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, recently shared insights about the team's international games in London and his strong relationship with the fan base. The Saints have participated in several international events over the years, marking their efforts to expand their reach globally. Davis emphasized how these games foster a deeper connection with fans beyond American soil, highlighting the unique experience of playing in different countries and the passionate support from overseas audiences.