One impactful New Orleans Saints rookie should feel like he's on cloud nine entering Week 2 of the NFL preseason

The New Orleans Saints got a narrow win to kick off their 2024 preseason action, but a new beast looms for them in Week 2. The San Francisco 49ers are on tap for the black and gold.

While neither team will show many cards or play starters too much, you better believe that Klint Kubiak would like to beat the team he left during this offseason to join the Saints. Entering that matchup, some players are probably feeling better than others.

I'm not referring to physical health, either. Rather, some players had a standout performance in the first preseason game, which could help them land an increased role or just a roster spot by the time the regular season rolls around.

3 Saints on cloud nine entering Week 2 of the NFL preseason

Bryan Bresee

Bresee flashed on multiple occasions versus Arizona. His patented spin move looked explosive, and he did come up with a sack. He created pressure consistently and even made a couple plays in the run game. Overall, you got what you want from him if you're Dennis Allen.

On just 24 snaps, he was noticeable. Looking ahead, you want to see that sort of performance once again this weekend. Bresee needs to take a step forward this season and become a true starter inside for New Orleans.

Check out all of the Saints snap counts from last weekend below.

Willie Gay Jr.

The athleticism and tracking ability from the veteran linebacker gleamed in Week 1 of the preseason. Every time you looked up, Gay was seemingly around the ball carrier or a pass catcher when on the field. He totaled five tackles on just nineteen snaps.

Expect the Saints to limit his reps, along with Pete Werner and Demario Davis, going forward to see what else they have in terms of linebacker depth.

Charlie Smyth

The game-winner, himself. Smyth only kicked a field goal once, but it was the one to give the Saints a final edge to seal the victory. His excitement, along with his teammates' reaction, was priceless.

Smyth could see, at least, a couple of opportunities this weekend after Blake Grupe took a couple FG attempts against the Cardinals. The battle at kicker pushes on, and the 22-year-old rookie is trying to prove himself as the best boot for the Saints in 2024. Being clutch in game one was a great look for that.

Related: Three New Orleans Saints players feeling the most pressure in Week 2 of the preseason against 49ers