Ugo Amadi snags tip drill interception in preseason opener against Chiefs

It’s not the regular season yet, but Ugo Amadi is making his presence felt. On Sunday, the Saints defensive back intercepted a pass in the New Orleans Saints’ preseason contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

New Orleans is Amadi’s newest home after a tumultuous few years in the league. The Seattle Seahawks drafted the Oregon standout with the No. 132 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, since then, Amadi has also played for the Tennessee Titans and the Saints.

In four years in the league, Amadi has appeared in 50 games. The 5-foot-9 safety boasts 106 solo career tackles and one interception. While Amadi has had a relatively successful stint in the NFL, his professional career pales compared to his college days.

The @saints come away with the takeaway 🖐️

📺: #KCvsNO on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXevVUR pic.twitter.com/7eD1DGOsVR

— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2023

Amadi played in all 51 of Oregon’s games from 2015-18. In his senior campaign, the Tennessee native recorded 55 tackles, including 5.0 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Additionally, Amadi was one of four Power 5 players with two pick-6s.

Boosted by Amadi’s fantastic play, the Saints lead the Chiefs 17-7 at halftime.

Oregon attempts to rediscover stellar secondary

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning could use a player like Ugo Amadi. Oregon’s defense allowed 265 passing yards per game last season, ranking 110th in the nation. Despite high expectations for 2023, Oregon could fall flat if it doesn’t fix its secondary.

“Oregon’s built like a speedboat. But that secondary, man, last year allowed 270 passing yards a game. Can’t do that,” On3’s JD PicKell said earlier this offseason. “They can’t have a speedboat and then spring a leak every now and then because your secondary can’t hold it down.

“In the Pac-12 conference, you’re gonna play too many good quarterbacks,” PicKell said. “You got Cameron Ward, you got Michael Penix Jr., you got Caleb Williams. You’re gonna play Cameron Rising, likely at Utah. You can’t be built with a weak jaw and walk into a boxing match week in and week out with someone who’s got a strong right hook, who’s got a good quarterback, you understand?”

In fairness, Oregon strengthened its secondary this offseason. The program welcomed safeties Tysheem Johnson (Ole Miss) and Evan Williams (Fresno State) with open arms. The Ducks also picked up steam on the outside, bringing in cornerback Khyree Jackson (Alabama) on January 27.

Watch Oregon begin its 2023 campaign as it takes on Portland State on Sept. 2.