Saints lose home opener to Cardinals
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The New Orleans Saints hosted the Arizona Cardinals in the season opener for both teams.
The Kellen Moore era in New Orleans began with a tough blow. The Saints lost 20-13 to the Arizona Cardinals in their season opener, ending the league’s longest active streak of Week 1 victories. New Orleans hadn’t lost an opener since falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-40 in 2018.
Untimely Mistakes Prove Costly
The Saints committed 13 accepted penalties, their highest total since 2017. Those mistakes consistently stalled offensive drives and extended Arizona possessions. False starts, offsides, and illegal shifts left New Orleans behind the chains and forced Moore to adjust his play-calling throughout the game. “It’s just a discipline thing,” Moore said. “Ultimately you can’t beat yourself.”
Kamara Provides Early Spark
Running back Alvin Kamara gave the Saints an early 7-3 lead with an 18-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. It was the 1,000th TD scored by the Saints in the Superdome, their home since 1975. Quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards, avoided turnovers, and absorbed just one sack. Although the numbers were steady, penalties and stalled red zone drives kept the Saints from finding rhythm. He showed poise in the pocket, but his timing with receivers still needs sharpening as the new system continues to take shape.
Cardinals Swing Momentum
Arizona capitalized on Saints mistakes to seize control before halftime. A holding call against Demario Davis set up Kyler Murray’s rushing touchdown, and the Cardinals added more to take a 17-10 advantage into the break. They extended the lead with a third-quarter field goal and kept the Saints offense contained, holding them to only six points after halftime.
The Saints defense responded with several clutch plays. Bryan Bresee blocked a field goal attempt, and Alontae Taylor recorded a late sack that forced a punt. Rattler then led a late drive to the Arizona 3-yard line, but the Saints had to settle for a field goal. The offense moved the ball better in the second half, but the inability to finish drives ultimately left them chasing points. The defense gave them one final chance, but time proved short.
Final Seconds Bring Heartbreak
With seconds left, Rattler heaved a Hail Mary toward Juwan Johnson at the goal line. Johnson appeared ready to secure the catch, but safety Budda Baker knocked it free. “I’ll throw that to him 100 times out of 100,” Rattler said about the play. The near miss capped a frustrating night where effort nearly overcame mistakes.
Standouts Emerge Despite Loss
Chris Olave battled through leg and chest injuries to contribute in critical moments. Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson each finished with 1.5 sacks, with Jordan raising his career total to 123. Those performances highlighted the team’s resilience, but they could not offset the impact of 13 costly penalties.
Lessons for Moore’s Saints
“This was a competitive debut,” Moore said, stressing the need for consistency. “Too many drives, momentum is created and then stopped because we’re behind the chains.” Safety Justin Reid echoed his coach. “If we eliminate the penalties, we play smart football, we’ll have a chance in any game.”
The Saints now shift their focus to Week 2. They showed grit in Moore’s debut, but discipline will determine if effort can translate into wins.