3 Takeaways From Saints’ Preseason Battle With Cowboys

The New Orleans Saints wrapped up the preseason Friday night with a 24-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The result isn't important, but the Saints finished the preseason and now face cutdown day on Sunday.

Here are three takeaways from Friday's matchup.

Ronnie Bell makes the roster

The Saints are dealing with an injury to their first-round pick Jordyn Tyson. Ronnie Bell ends the night as the highest-graded offensive player with a 91.5 offensive grade, according to PFF. Bryce Lance flashed on Friday with 31 total snaps, but Bell has put his claim on a roster spot. 

Six receptions on seven targets for 65 yards is quite the stat line. Sure, Bell playing late into the preseason finale isn't the best sign, but I feel he's done enough to stick around. If not, a practice squad spot is warm for him. 

Zamir White scores 

With the injuries to the running backs, Zamir White has an opportunity to crack the 53-man roster. Audric Estime was on the field and performing, but with the injury to Alvin Kamara, did White do enough to stick on the roster? Kendre Miller was in action also, but could the five running backs be Travis Etienne, Miller, Estime, White, and Kamara on short-term IR?

The trade with the 49ers looks smarter by the day and allows flexibilty on cut down day. 

Terrell Burgess gets a ton of action

It isn't the best sign that a player gets a ton of work in the preseason finale, but players have to put out the best tape possible with any opportunity. Terrell Burgess led the team in defensive snaps for the secondary and finished with the highest defensive grade of 90.6. 

While a stat line of one tackle and two assists doesn't knock your socks off, the free safety finished with a 81.8 run defense grade, 78.6 tackling grade, and 79.9 coverage grade. It's tough to predict Burgess making the roster, but the film session will be fun for him.

A defensive stop helps his case and the only target in his direction was incomplete. You have to respect the hustle and dedication for a player looking to stick on this roster or find a job somewhere else.