Samson Nacua nearly equipped essentially the most pleasurable touchdown of the NFL preseason on Sunday correct earlier than halftime of the Contemporary Orleans Saints‘ 30–27 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
With four seconds final within the 2d quarter, Titans kicker Brayden Narveson attempted a 58-yard enviornment aim. The kick used to be effectively short of the uprights, giving Nacua a chance to enviornment the ball within the end zone and return it.
Nacua minimize to the left sideline at his have 3-yard line and, thanks to 2 blocks, he figured out a lane down the left sideline to derive to midfield. From there, he minimize reduction to the upright sideline and figured out free house across the realm to bolt one other 40 yards. With two blockers accompanying him and ultimate Titans lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere in pursuit, Nacua used to be on his formula to scoring a spectacular touchdown.
Nonetheless, Tennessee tight end Thomas Odukoya came in hot pursuit to push Nacua toward the sideline. Odukoya took the blocker into Nacua and compelled him to step out at the three-yard line earlier than he might possibly well well hurdle into the end zone. After running 106 yards, Nacua almost had a kick-six rating however came up correct short. And with the halftime clock expiring, it used to be obsessed on naught.
Nacua, 26, is the older brother of Los Angeles Rams famous person receiver Puka Nacua and within the origin signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent out of BYU. (He additionally played four seasons at Utah.) For the past two years, he is played in knowledgeable spring leagues, first with the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers in 2023. This year with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers, he caught 11 passes for 125 yards.
The Saints signed Nacua in August and if his play on Sunday is any indication, he has a solid chance of constructing the roster as a return specialist, though Contemporary Orleans is already effectively stocked at receiver.
Spencer Rattler seems appealing in preseason motion
Derek Carr is beneath contract with the Saints thru 2026. But if he would not play effectively or if Contemporary Orleans desires to steer sure of paying the $30-80 million he would be owed within the final two years of his deal, rookie Spencer Rattler is presenting himself as a likely chance to rob over as the Saints’ initiating quarterback.
Rattler impressed Saints followers with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Equanimeous St. Brown within the 2d quarter for Contemporary Orleans’ first rating of the sport. It used to be Rattler’s first TD pass of the preseason.
The fifth-round pick (No. 150 overall) additionally threw a 43-yard pass to A.T. Perry within the fourth quarter, making a deep throw gape almost effortless whereas developing one other Contemporary Orleans rating.
Rattler took over for Jake Haener within the 2d quarter, ending 7-of-13 passes for 105 yards. Haener threw for 87 yards on 8-for-17 passing.
The rookie is clearly more moving to followers and media following the crew, with many predicting that he’ll be the Saints’ starter by next year, if not at some level all the scheme in which thru this season. In three preseason games, he is thrown for 202 yards, ending 20-of-38 passes (fifty three%).
That completion share will need to pork up (he used to be a 69% passer at school) – and drops from receivers haven’t helped – however Rattler’s immense-play potential and formative years is sexy.
