Maybe the Saints are not quite as bad as everyone had you believe?
The New Orleans Saints could not maintain their impressive Week 1 streak against the Arizona Cardinals. However, there were some positives in the 20-13 loss at the Superdome.
A heartbreaking drop from Juwan Johnson in the end zone prevented the team from moving within a point of forcing overtime.
The offensive line saw a big jump from last year. Rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. looked every bit the first round draft pick. Taliese Fuaga again looked positive back in his natural right tackle position until a knee injury sidelined him after the third quarter.
Trevor Penning is yet to start in his new position at guard. But if practice rumours are anything to go by, he could also make a big step this year.
The former first round pick has struggled at tackle since he was drafted. The move inside could be just what he needs to cement his starting status for the Saints.
And Alvin Kamara. Fittingly, it was he who effortlessly tiptoed the ball into the end zone for the 1,000th Saints touchdown in the Superdome.
The professional life of a running back is one of the shortest on the team. Yet Kamara continues to be the Saints’ best weapon on offense. Who dat say he cannot be doing this in his 30s?
Improvement on defense
There were also plenty of flashes on defense.
After bringing in Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley and switching to a 3-4 system, there have been a lot of changes this year.
Cam Jordan set the tone with an early sack on Kyler Murray that looked like he had been shot out of a cannon.
Not to be outdone, cornerback Alontae Taylor made the most of his ‘star’/nickel role to flatten Murray later in the game.
Meanwhile, linebacker Demario Davis has clearly found the fountain of youth. The 36-year-old captain is showing no signs of slowing down and continues to show out consistently for the Saints.
The biggest question mark has been at quarterback. The jury is most definitely still out, with fans split on who should be starting under center: second year Spencer Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough.
Rattler certainly looked much better than his showings in 2024. While he failed to find the end zone, he was only sacked once. That is a huge improvement over last season when he was sacked 22 times in seven games.
Onto the Niners
Before the beginning of the season, Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers felt a likely loss. After Week 1, this is less clear cut.
The loss of quarterback Brock Purdy and star tight end George Kittle gives the Saints an easier route to victory.
While the Saints are still without a few key pieces on both sides of the ball, they have every reason to be positive back in the dome this weekend.
And if that impacts our draft pick next year… well, let us worry about that next April.
Beat the Niners. Who Dat!
