NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Kellen Moore era in New Orleans starts with a loss. The Saints fell at home Sunday (Sept. 7) in their regular season opener, 20-13.
Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 45 passes for 214 yards but no touchdowns. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, playing with an undisclosed illness, threw two touchdown passes in the Caesars Superdome.
Rattler had a chance to orchestrate a game-tying drive in the final minute of the fourth quarter, but the push ended one play after tight end Juwan Johnson was unable to hold on to a pass in the end zone.
“Good battle today,” Moore said. “It certainly looked there like a moment where we had it.
“I thought our guys played with really good effort. The lesson for us is, ‘You can’t beat yourself.’ Thirteen penalties, we have to clean that up.”
Saints running back Alvin Kamara dances into the end zone to complete an 18-yard touchdown run...
Saints running back Alvin Kamara dances into the end zone to complete an 18-yard touchdown run in the second quarter Sunday (Sept. 7) against Arizona.(Rob Krieger, WVUE-Fox 8)
The Saints were held scoreless in the first quarter, but only 40 seconds into the second frame New Orleans finally lit up the scoreboard. Alvin Kamara ran for an 18-yard touchdown, giving New Orleans its first lead of the year at 7-3.
On the next drive, Arizona responded with a touchdown of its own.
Murray connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 1-yard touchdown pass. And right before the half, Cardinals running back James Conner caught a 4-yard touchdown score to give Arizona the advantage, 17-10.
Starting in place of Chase Young, 36-year-old Saints defensive end Cam Jordan registered 1.5 sacks in the contest.
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during...
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the first half Sunday (Sept. 7) in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)(Gerald Herbert | AP)
Jordan now has 123 career sacks.
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave suffered a chest injury in the fourth quarter but was able to return.
“Once he was available, he hopped out there,” Moore said.
The Saints are home again next Sunday, hosting Christian McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers in a noon game at Caesars Superdome.
The Saints' Kellen Moore calls a play Sunday (Sept. 7) against Arizona during his first game...
The Saints' Kellen Moore calls a play Sunday (Sept. 7) against Arizona during his first game as an NFL head coach. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)(Gerald Herbert | AP)
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