Drew Brees was solid in the Saints preseason win over the Chargers
The first extensive playing time for the regulars didn’t leave too many lingering questions about the New Orleans Saints this season.
New Orleans pulled away late for a 36-21 preseason win against the San Diego Chargers Friday night and showed that there isn’t any apparent letdown coming off its Super Bowl season from a year ago.
Drew Brees was sharp into the third quarter, Patrick Ramsey made his case for the backup quarterback job, and Chris Ivory made an electrifying 76-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that put him in prime position to be the team’s third running back.
Brees completed 18 of 27 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns–including a 16 of 20 performance in the first half for 225 yards.
Ramsey led two scoring drives in the second half and threw for 191 yards, but it was his 11-play drive that chewed up four minutes on the clock in the fourth quarter and led to a game-clinching field goal by Garrett Hartley.
His only blip was an ill-advised throw in the fourth quarter for an interception that led to a touchdown.
Ramsey and rookie Chase Daniel are competing for the backup job to Brees, and both have looked good during the preseason.
Coach Sean Payton of New Orleans liked what he saw from Ramsey in the win.
“He’s making some plays, and then all of a sudden there’s a technique or an alignment,” Payton said. “There are positive things, and then he’s making mistakes he’s going to have to clean up and get corrected.”