Saints start the season 0-1 after crushing loss to Cardinals

Saints start the season 0-1 after crushing loss to Cardinals
Canal Street Chronicles Canal Street Chronicles

The New Orleans Saints dropped to 0-1 on the season after losing 20-13 to the Arizona Cardinals. After holding an early 7-3 lead, the Cardinals responded with a touchdown and never looked back. The Saints’ defense, however, was able to respond in the fourth quarter setting QB Spencer Rattler up with a chance to tie the game. Rattler and the offense drove down the field, but failed to find the endzone before time expired.

Saints Scoring

Kamara – 18-yard rushing touchdown

Running back Alvin Kamara scores the first touchdown of the season for the Saints, slipping through tackles for 18 yards. 7-3 Saints lead 5:43 left in the first quarter.

Blake Grupe – 36-yard field goal

Blake Grupe evens the game with a 36-yard field goal after a 10-play 37-yard drive. 10-10 with 4:58 left in the second quarter.

Blake Grupe – 28-yard field goal

The Saints’ final points of the day come in the fourth quarter after another Blake Grupe field goal. 20-13 1:52 left in the fourth quarter.

Team Stats

Penalties: 13 for 89 yards

Third down efficiency: 5-14

Time of possession: 26:14

Passing: 27/46, 208. 0 TD, 0 INT

Rushing: 22 ATT, 107 YDS, 4.9 YPC, 1 TD

Total yards: 315

Sacks: 5

Pass defense: 21/29, 130 YDS, 2 TD

Run defense: 27 ATT, 146 YDS, 5.4 YPC, 0 TD

Player Stats

QB Spencer Rattler: 27/46, 208. 0 TD, 0 INT, 4 CAR, 29 YDS

TE Juwan Johnson: 11 TGTs, 8 REC, 76 YDS

RB Alvin Kamara: 11 ATT, 45 YDS, 1 TD

DE Cameron Jordan: 3 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 2 TFL, 1 PD

LB Pete Werner: 9 Tackles, 1 Sack

Next week vs. 49ers

The Saints will stay in New Orleans to take on the Brock Purdy-led San Francisco 49ers for a Week 2 matchup. After falling to 0-1 on the season, the ability to respond in next Sunday’s matchup becomes emphasized for Kellen Moore and the Saints.