The omens were not good.
Coming into this game, the New Orleans Saints held the NFL record for the longest Week 1 winning streak.
They had won their last six opening games and were looking to continue that at home to the Arizona Cardinals.
This year feels like a bit of a free hit for the Saints, who are rebuilding since the retirement of Derek Carr at the end of last season.
Johnson locks it down on debut
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler is still waiting for his first Saints win, after a 20-13 loss.
Alvin Kamara got the Saints’ first touchdown on Sunday, with a rushing score in the second quarter.
But Rattler and the offense could not get things going in the air. He was short of options in the passing game.
This was largely down to great coverage from the Arizona cornerbacks, especially rookie Will Johnson on his NFL debut.
Many experts were surprised to see Johnson fall to the second round of the draft. However, he showed his pedigree on Sunday.
The rookie was targeted seven times and did not allow any touchdowns. He was also unlucky to have his first NFL interception called back for a penalty flag back down field.
Kyler looks short of options
Coming into the game, Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray had reported sick in the morning but was cleared to play later on.
Despite two passing touchdowns, Kyler only threw for 163 yards. His top target was second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on 71 yards, closely followed by star tight end Trey McBride with 61 yards. The next receiver down the list only had 10 yards.
If the Cardinals are going to have a successful season, they need more options for Murray to throw to. A potential trade for a certain unhappy wideout in Miami could be a game-changer for the Birds.
Panthers up next
Looking ahead to Week 2, the Panthers travel to Glendale. Caroline are a team that got the better of the Cardinals last year, with an overtime win back in December.
The Panthers lost 12 games last season and have recently lost standout receiver Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings.
They struggled to get things going in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and this matchup looks like it should be a favourable one to start Arizona’s 2025 home campaign with.
