Canal Street Chronicles
This match up could be a fun one.
The opening game of the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 season is official, and they will be facing the Arizona Cardinals in the Superdome.
Before getting to the Saints’ side of this matchup, we have to look at what the Cardinals are bringing to the game. In recent years, the Cardinals have been highly disappointing. This is a team that has had playoff aspirations since their 11-6 season in 2021, but injuries to Kyler Murray have stopped any of those hopes. Last season, Murray was finally healthy for the whole season, but the roster was just not good enough, and they ended the season 8-9. After another year without the playoffs, the Cardinals must make the playoffs in the upcoming season, assuming health issues do not arise again.
With this major goal in mind, the Cardinals had some major additions to the roster:
The Cardinals made a clear effort to improve the defensive line. This was a massive area that needed to be upgraded this offseason, but there are still issues on offense. highly touted O-line coach Klayton Adams left to join the Dallas Cowboys staff and other WR is a big need. The Cardinals should be improved from last season, but if this offensive line regresses, there could be massive issues.
Now focusing on the Saints, this matchup is going to be tough, but not the end of the world. The improvements of the Cardinals’ defensive line is going to be a major test for the Saints’ offensive line. The Saints have made improvements this past offseason in that area, so the hope is they should be able to hold their own. The Cardinals defense is not one that would absolutely destroy the Saints offense, but it also won’t allow the Saints to dominate. I expect Tyler Shough to be the starter week 1, and if that does happen, this game is going to be a good first test for the rookie quarterback.
Throughout the Dennis Allen era, New Orleans really struggled against mobile quarterbacks. With Kyler Murray being Arizona’s starting quarterback, it will be interesting to see how Brandon Staley’s defense deals with the threat of a mobile quarterback. Looking at position battles, there are two glaring worries: Cornerback and defensive line. Although WR is a big need for the Cardinals, they still have Marvin Harrison Jr., and Kool-Aid McKinstry is going to have his first major test of the season right away. The Cardinals run game has always been a decent, and with how bad the Saints’ run defense was last year, New Orleans is going to need major improvements from last season. With some additions, this seems to be the hope, but the Saints need to prove that the improvements were made.
This is going to be an exciting start to the season!
