Everyone expects the Saints to score a lot of points, but the second preseason game against the Texans made a lot of folks in New Orleans worry.

Drew Brees played the majority of the first half, and he took a beating. Zach Strief and Andrus Peat couldn't hold Jadeveon Clowney, who ended up taking Brees to the turf several times. Coby Fleener also played a part in Brees' beating, and the offense as a whole came up short in the 16-9 loss.

It feels weird to say the Saints defense played better than the offense, but it's true.

New Orleans created a turnover in the second half, and they had a chance to tie the game with a 1st and Goal, thanks to the defense. Instead of converting, the Saints moved backwards five yards and settled for a Kai Forbath field goal, who handled all the scoring along with fellow kicker Connor Barth.

The offensive line couldn't protect Brees, and they couldn't create openings for the running backs (26 carries, 82 yards, 3.2 avg). It was a rough night up front, to say the least.

Zach Strief couldn't stop Clowney and either could Peat. This is the last thing Saints fans want to see in a preseason game.

Strief didn't stand a chance, and either did Brees, who only threw for 29 yards. The real problem was the turnovers.

Brees had an interception, Garrett Grayson threw a pick to end the game and the Saints coughed the ball up a couple times. If the offense is struggling, it might be a long season in New Orleans.

That makes seven straight preseason losses for the Saints. Preseason games don't mean much, but this performance didn't look good.

The bright notes came from PJ Williams, who bounced back from giving up a TD pass to collect an interception, and Luke McCown (14-19, 118 yards) off the bench. The only problem is, Williams got beat by a Texan starter and McCown isn't Brees.

Nobody should overreact to a preseason game, but the Saints' loss to the Texans raises a few serious concerns. There are only two games left to fix the issues.

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