Texans vs. Saints: 10 Key Players, Things to Watch for New Orleans

The curious case of the New Orleans Saints. Who Dat nation, as well as the rest of NFL fans are eager and curious to watch what the Saints have.

After being on the receiving end of the NFL's haymakers and uppercuts, the Saints are still standing, and may be better than they were last season. Did the team overcome their offseason scandals and distractions? That's yet to be seen live when it matters, but on paper, they don't look half bad.

We'll soon get a chance to see what they got. If they really did overcome all the adversity. They just have to survive preseason and get healthy.

There's two more preseason games left. Coming up: the Houston Texans. One of the NFL's best defenses.

Here are a few key players and some things to watch for in the Saints' fourth preseason game.

What to watch for:

Saints' defense. They looked awful against the Jaguars last week, it seemed they forgot how to tackle. It is important to see if they can bounce back against a good Texans offense.

Aaron Kromer will fill in as interim head coach. It should be interesting how he handles it.

Barrett Ruud, LB

Linebacker Barrett Ruud is on his fourth team in the NFL. He didn't have much time with the Seattle Seahawks this season because the Saints traded for him after their bad luck with injuries at the linebacker position, including Curtis Lofton.

Ruud, in his eighth season in the league, is a nice pick up. He has 642 tackles, six forced fumbles and seven interceptions in his career.

He may see some time against the Texans this Saturday, so it should be interesting and important to see what he has picked up in his very short time in the Saints defense and how productive he is. It's imperative he learn the defensive schemes as soon as possible. The Saints are running thin at the linebacker position.

Patrick Robinson, CB

Last week's preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars wasn't a good showing for the Saints defense.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson, who was returning from an injury, was part of the problem. Robinson had a tough time bringing down the Jaguars running backs and receivers.

Robinson and the the other defensive backs need to step up and play better. The Saints defense was a major problem and a reason why they were ousted from the playoffs last season against the 49ers.

Let's see if the cornerback can bounce back from last week's game and play better against the Texans—but that won't be an easy task against the Houston receivers.

Brodrick Bunkley, DT

The defensive tackle was acquired by the Saints this offseason to strengthen the front line. New defensive coordinator Spagnuolo puts less emphasis on exotic blitzes and more on pressuring QBs up front.

Bunkley can stuff the run and can get through the line to generate some pressure. Bunkley didn't particularly have a good game against the Jaguars, having a hard time tackling Rashad Jennings and the Jags running backs, so the tackle has to improve against a good Houston Texans offense.

Junior Galette, DE

Fear the beard, indeed.

Defensive end Junior Galette has emerged as one of the Saints' top pass rushers. And the Saints do need some pass rushing...well, without all the blitzing.

Galette has the potential to have a breakout season and wreak havoc in the backfield and disrupt offenses.

Junior Galette is having a strong preseason, let's see if he can keep it up against the Texans and continue it into the season, filling the hole left by the suspended Will Smith.

Mark Ingram, RB

Last year, the New Orleans Saints traded up with the New England Patriots to select Alabama running back Mark Ingram with the No. 28 overall pick. The Saints gave up their No. 56 pick that year, as well as their first-rounder in this year's draft.

The running back needs to step up and become the Saints' main running back. He's had to battle through some injuries in his young career so far, but it should be interesting to see if he can stay healthy and be that weapon that the Saints expected him to be.

The starters will get more playing time against the Texans being that it is closer to the start of the regular season. Ingram has to show he can be the go-to guy.

Cameron Jordan, DE

First-round defensive end Cameron Jordan was brought in to help with the Saints' pass rush. Jordan has shown some flashes, but the defense needs to see more out of him, especially with the organization's suspensions.

Due to his speed, strength and size, Jordan has the potential to be a disruptive force. He has a terrific motor but needs to show he can be more consistent and productive. Can he sack QB Matt Schaub a few times this upcoming game?

Greg Camarillo, WR

The New Orleans Saints were bit pretty hard by the injury bug. That bug has worked its way through to their wide receiving corps. With injuries to rookie Nick Toon, Adrian Arrington and Andy Tanner, the Saints had to pick up veteran receiver Greg Camarillo.

Camarillo is an important pickup because of the injuries. Although Drew Brees can still produce without those receivers, it's important that he actually has options available to him if needed. Camarillo needs to on the field to build some sort of chemistry with Brees.

Greg Camarillo is a decent pickup. In his five years in the NFL, Camarillo has 142 receptions for 1,686 yards and five touchdowns.

Travaris Cadet, RB

Rookie running back Travaris Cadet is playing his heart out, giving it his all to make the Saints roster. He has impressed this preseason, making a case that he should be the No. 4 running back on the Saints' depth chart.

The back is elusive. He is explosive and more importantly, he is versatile. Cadet would be a nice addition to the offense if he makes the roster. If Cadet can keep playing at a high level and carry his momentum into the Texans game, it is a strong possibility he will end up on the 53-man roster.

Chris Ivory, RB

The Saints have quite the competition for the fourth running back spot. Both Chris Ivory and rookie Travaris Cadet.

Chris Ivory, entering his third season with the Saints, has been having problems holding onto the ball. Fumbles have been an issue for Ivory this preseason and it's not helping that Cadet is nipping at his heels.

Ivory did a nice job against the Jaguars last week, but it is imperative that he keep it up against the Houston Texans. He needs to show that he can be a reliable back. If not, the Saints may not have a spot for him in the lineup.

Courtney Roby, WR

I mentioned veteran wide receiver Courtney Roby in my previous article. Roby is doing a good job this preseason, showing the Saints coaching staff that he is more than just a special teams player.

With all the injuries to the Saints' wide receiver corps, Roby has a good shot of getting that No. 4 receiver role. He has proven that he can make plays in practice. Can he do so against other teams? Against the Texans?

Make sure to follow me on Twitter for more Saints news and other NFL updates: @ItsJPeralta.