The New Orleans Saints kicked off their preseason with a strong showing, and two players stood out in their debuts—starting running back Ollie Gordon II and rookie defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi. Both made the most of their first live action of the season, proving why they’re key pieces of the Saints’ future.
Ollie Gordon II Shows Why He’s RB1
Already established as the Saints’ starting power back, Ollie Gordon II wasted no time setting the tone for the offense. On just nine carries, he racked up 114 yards and a touchdown, displaying his signature mix of power and explosiveness.
Gordon’s performance reaffirmed why the Saints have placed their trust in him as their lead back. He broke through tackles with ease, showcased excellent vision, and turned routine runs into chunk plays. If this is just a glimpse of what’s to come, New Orleans could have one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the league.
Tobi Osunsanmi Makes an Early Statement
On the defensive side, rookie pass rusher Tobi Osunsanmi made his presence known with two sacks, showing off his speed and relentless motor. While he’s still developing, his performance was a clear indicator that he belongs at the NFL level.
Osunsanmi’s ability to disrupt the pocket was a highlight, and his quickness off the edge caused problems for the opposing offensive line. Though he’s still working to carve out his role, performances like this will only earn him more reps as the preseason progresses.
Final Thoughts
With Gordon already entrenched as the Saints’ power back, his dominant outing is a sign that he’s ready to take on a full workload this season. Meanwhile, Osunsanmi’s breakout performance could fast-track his role in the defensive rotation.
As the preseason continues, all eyes will be on these two to see if they can maintain this momentum. Can Gordon be the dominant back the Saints need? Will Osunsanmi force his way into meaningful defensive snaps as a rookie? Stay tuned as the Saints continue their preseason journey.
