The New Orleans Saints announced the times and dates for their 2020 preseason games against the Rams, Steelers, Texans, and Dolphins.
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The New Orleans Saints revealed the specific times and dates for their 2020 preseason schedule, which will see them fly out for away games at the brand-new LoFi Stadium (visiting the Los Angeles Rams) and the historic Heinz Field (for a nationally-broadcast game with the Pittsburgh Steelers). After that two-game road series, the Saints will return to New Orleans to host the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins in subsequent weeks.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2020 Saints preseason:
Week 1: at Los Angeles Rams, Friday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. CT
This year’s preseason opener won’t kick off until 9 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 14, so maybe keep a pot of coffee ready. While Drew Brees probably won’t take the field in this one — he waited until Week 3 to make his preseason debut last year — there will still be plenty to watch out for, primarily the progress made by backup quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. And the Rams’ shining new stadium should certainly catch the eye.
Where to watch: Local FOX affiliates (check here for full listings)
Where to listen: WWL Radio (870 AM and 105.3 FM)
Week 2: at Steelers, Sunday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. CT
This prime-time game should be fun, even if we see little of Brees and Ben Roethlistberger. The Steelers have a nice set of weapons on offense that should test the Saints defense well, giving us a good idea of how far they’ve progressed over the summer. Keep an eye out for how often Marcus Davenport and C.J. Gardner-Johnson stay on the field; it’s a critical time for the third-year defensive end, while Gardner-Johnson’s diverse set of skills mean the Saints may try him out in several different roles in the closest thing to a controlled environment.
Where to watch: FOX national broadcast
Where to listen: WWL Radio (870 AM and 105.3 FM)
Week 3: vs. Texans, Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. CT
The Saints and Texans have been frequent preseason opponents in recent years, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the two teams schedule a few days of joint practices at the Saints’ facility in Metairie, as they’ve done in the past. This is the usual “dress rehearsal” game, and should be the first time we get a look at Brees in 2020. Maybe he’ll connect with new additions like Emmanuel Sanders, Ty Montgomery, or Adam Trautman in his brief time on the field against a live defense.
Where to watch: Local FOX affiliates (check here for full listings)
Where to listen: WWL Radio (870 AM and 105.3 FM)
Week 4: vs. Dolphins, Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. CT
The preseason finale is the last opportunity many players will get to audition for a spot on the Saints’ roster, and this year’s depth chart is one of the deepest we’ve ever seen. NFL veterans like Montgomery, Margus Hunt, Anthony Chickillo, and James Hurst (should he officially sign with New Orleans, which hasn’t happened yet) will have one more shot to compete before roster cuts. It’ll be fascinating to see which members of the undrafted rookie class will have played their way onto the opening-day depth chart; no one expected much of Shy Tuttle or Deonte Harris this time last year.
Where to watch: Local FOX affiliates (check here for full listings)
Where to listen: WWL Radio (870 AM and 105.3 FM)
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