(Michael DeMocker)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Finally, after eight months away, the New Orleans Saints will play a football game on Thursday night.
The game won't count, of course, but the preseason opener has plenty of value to players, coaches and scouts. When the Saints play the New England Patriots starting at 6:30 p.m., all participating players will have a chance to improve their chances of making the 53-man roster.
Many eyes will be on the Saints defense, which will try to carry its strong performance from training camp into the exhibition schedule. Tom Brady won't play for the Patriots, but the Saints defensive players should have some opportunities against Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be starting for New England during the first four games while Brady is suspended.