5 NFL teams who don’t need the preseason to be ready for 2020

2. The New Orleans Saints don’t need the NFL preseason

When you have a veteran like Drew Brees leading the charge, there’s little need for practice time. While he may need to contend with a rookie offensive lineman learning the scheme and a change to his WR2, he’s rarely needed a preseason to develop rapport with his offense.

The addition of Emmanuel Sanders as Ted Ginn Jr.’s replacement should go smoothly, as the veteran receiver has already had experience adapting to a new team without the benefit of an offseason.

On defense, there have been few changes made aside from depth pieces added during the draft and free agency. Malcolm Jenkins is likely the only new starter on defense, but he has already had experience playing with New Orleans Saints from 2009-13.

With the starting unit mostly intact and Dennis Allen entering his fifth full season as defensive coordinator, this side of the ball shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting to a lost preseason.

With half of their division experiencing major turnover at the quarterback position, the Saints are fortunate to have such a steady group of veterans in the locker room to battle a shortened offseason. With their first game slated against Tom Brady’s Buccaneers, the Saints should be in great shape to take advantage of their opponent’s lack of chemistry.