New Orleans Saints Vs. Tennessee Titans preview: 2010 preseason game four

~ New Orleans Saints @ Tennessee Titans

~ Thursday, September 2, 8:00 PM Eastern

~ LP Field in Nashville, TN

The final preseason game of each NFL season is one that fans could really do without and most players probably could as well. All the players that is that aren't fighting for a roster spot and hoping to make one last and final impression. A lot of those in camp for the New Orleans Saints are really hoping to be wearing black and gold once final cut time arrives on Saturday, September 4.

As a whole, the Saints' starters have shown improvement by leaps and bounds over their initial preseason loss to the New England Patriots. Victories over the Houston Texans and San Diego Chargers at home show that Drew Brees and company are in midseason form and ready to defend their Super Bowl championship.

The defense is shaping up too and looking mighty good, but the lack of turnovers as opposed to the machine they were last season could be concerning. Maybe I'm just looking into it too much as it is the preseason, but hopefully the team can bring about the fumble recoveries and interceptions much in the same way as the championship season.

Virtually no starters will be playing in this game and that is an idea that couldn't be better by coach Sean Payton considering opening night against the Minnesota Vikings is exactly a week away. No sense risking an injury to a vital player or risking further damage to those nursing nagging problems already. Some players won't even be making the trip.

Players not traveling with the team: Darren Sharper, Clint Ingram, Jonathan Vilma, Tracy Porter, Zach Strief, Pierson Prioleau, Stanley Arnoux

All of those players have not yet been ruled out of the season opener and Sharper is actually hoping to be able to play against the Vikings. He has expressed his disappointment though in not being able to get on the field during the preseason.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey suffered a mild concussion during the Chargers' game and will be held out, but will be there in Tennessee.

Players like Drew Brees, Will Smith, and a great number of starters will likely be suited up but won't see any playing time because there is nothing left to prove for them. Others on the bubble or already assigned to the second and third teams will want to do everything they can to prove they are deserving of their spot on the Saints.

Rookie tight end Jimmy Graham only returned to practice this week after having a boot on his ankle ever since the conclusion of the Patriots' game. he is expected to play tonight against the Titans. Newly signed defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy is also expected to play. Clancy's signing could spell a bit of disaster for rookie Al Woods who has not really stood out so far at all in preseason. He will have to do all he can with whatever playing time he's given in order to be with the team after Saturday.

Speaking of the defense, it would have been good to see how they perform against a mobile quarterback like Vince Young, but it is doubtful he will see much playing time either. Chances are that Kerry Collins will get the bulk of the work against the Saints, but it will still be a good test as the veteran has led many teams successfully throughout his career.

One of the biggest battles still undecided still is the back-up quarterback spot behind Drew Brees. Veteran Patrick Ramsey will start the game and more than likely play the entire first half. Second-year Chase Daniel, who had a break-out game against the Texans, will play the whole second half. Fourth quarterback, rookie Sean Canfield was released earlier this week when rosters needed to be trimmed to 75 players.

Ramsey has not gotten as much playing time in the preseason games so far, but has shown tremendous accuracy during training camp. He was a little rusty when first signed, but that has disappeared. Daniel has looked downright awful at times in camp, but then came out of nowhere to have the game of his short career against the Texans. It is possible that the Saints could keep three quarterbacks on the roster, but they'll have to both do enough to prove deserving of those important roster spots.

Other things to watch for on Thursday night:

~ The performance of WR Adrian Arrington as he desperately tries to make the team for a third year.

~ The linebackers: It's been a battle all preseason as to who would start with Scott Shanle and Jonatahan Vilma in place of the departed Scott Fujita. Both Jonathan Casillas and Jo-Lonn Dunbar have shown the most upside and it could come down to this game to determine the starter for the regular season. That's not to say that they won't be interchangeable either, but a big game could vault one to the top spot.

~ Special Teams: As horrendous as they were during the first two preseason games, they were the opposite and that good in game three. Special teams' ace Troy Evans was cut last week in a surprise to many and also a sign that no-one is safe. Special teams is a great way for young players to make the team when they know they won't crack into their regular position so a good performance tonight could land them a job.

Not entirely sure how many of you will actually be watching the game since technically, there won't be a lot of your favorites going into the game, but I'll be paying attention. It's games like this that make me all giddy and excited because it's fun watching players battle it out not only with the opposing team but against teammates in order to make the best impression.

The curtain is going to fall soon for the careers of many so they better put on their best performance yet.

Prediction: Saints 24 - Titans 17