**THE STORY**: NEW ORLEANS -- Pretty it was not, but winning is the perfect salve.
The Cardinals opened the season with a 20-13 victory over the Saints at Caesars Superdome, in a game that featured just enough. Just enough Marvin Harrison Jr. Just enough Trey McBride. Just enough defense to stall a surprisingly effective Spencer Rattler production. And yes, just enough Kyler Murray.
The Saints made their late push. They deflected a Chad Ryland field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter, drove for their own field goal to cut it to a seven-point game, and then sacked Murray to force a punt at the two-minute warning. The Saints got the ball to the Cardinals 18, but three passes were incomplete as time ran out.
Murray threw short touchdown passes to Harrison and running back James Conner. Running back Trey Benson had a career-best 52-yard run to set up one of two Ryland field goals. Harrison led the way with five catches for 71 yards, and was free often in the secondary when Murray had time to throw.
The defense had one sack -- by Baron Browning -- but Josh Sweat had multiple pressures and rookie cornerback Will Johnson had a good first game.
More to come on azcardinals.com.