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Preseason Week 1: Saints vs. Chargers - Social media reactions

Preseason Week 1: Saints Edge Out Cardinals in Thrilling Opener

In a closely contested NFL preseason matchup, the New Orleans Saints kicked off their exhibition slate with a narrow 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at the Caesars Superdome. The game, while not counting toward the regular season standings, provided valuable insights into both teams' rosters, strategies, and emerging talents as they gear up for the real battles ahead. For the Saints, this win served as a positive start under head coach Dennis Allen, showcasing a mix of veteran poise and rookie promise, even as questions linger about depth and execution in key areas.

The Saints' offense, led initially by starting quarterback Derek Carr, showed flashes of efficiency in the early going. Carr, in his first action with New Orleans after a offseason acquisition, orchestrated a crisp opening drive that culminated in a field goal, setting a tone of controlled aggression. He connected on several short passes to wide receiver Chris Olave, who looked sharp in limited snaps, demonstrating the chemistry that could become a cornerstone of the Saints' aerial attack this season. However, the drive stalled inside the red zone, highlighting a familiar preseason issue: converting opportunities into touchdowns rather than settling for threes.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the Saints turned to their backup quarterbacks to evaluate depth. Jameis Winston, the veteran gunslinger, took over and injected some excitement with a deep ball to rookie wideout A.T. Perry, who hauled in a 35-yard gain that set up the team's first touchdown. Perry, a sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest, impressed with his route-running and hands, suggesting he could carve out a role in a crowded receiver room that includes Olave, Michael Thomas, and Jarvis Landry. The score came on a one-yard plunge by running back Jamaal Williams, who powered through the line, reinforcing his value as a short-yardage specialist following his signing from Detroit.

Defensively, the Saints were stout against the run but vulnerable at times in pass coverage. Edge rusher Cam Jordan, ever the anchor, recorded a sack on Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy, disrupting Arizona's rhythm early. The secondary, however, had mixed results; cornerback Alontae Taylor broke up a couple of passes, but there were lapses that allowed the Cardinals to mount a comeback attempt in the third quarter. Rookie defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, the first-round selection from Clemson, made his presence felt with a tackle for loss, displaying the burst and power that made him a high draft pick. His performance was a bright spot, as the Saints look to bolster their interior line after some offseason departures.

On the Cardinals' side, the game offered a glimpse into life under new head coach Jonathan Gannon. Quarterback Kyler Murray sat out, as expected, with the team cautious about his recovery from a torn ACL. Instead, McCoy and rookie Clayton Tune shared duties, with Tune showing poise in the pocket despite some rookie mistakes, including an interception thrown into double coverage. Wide receiver Marquise Brown was a standout, using his speed to create separation and haul in a touchdown pass that briefly gave Arizona the lead in the second half. The Cardinals' defense, revamped with free-agent additions, pressured the Saints' quarterbacks consistently, with linebacker Zaven Collins notching a sack and forcing a fumble that led to points.

Special teams played a pivotal role, as they often do in preseason affairs. Saints kicker Blake Grupe, an undrafted free agent, nailed a 52-yard field goal to extend the lead late in the game, potentially securing his spot in a kicking competition. For the Cardinals, a blocked punt in the third quarter shifted momentum, but they couldn't fully capitalize, underscoring areas for improvement in protection schemes.

Beyond the on-field action, the game highlighted broader narratives for both franchises. For the Saints, the focus remains on integrating new pieces into an offense that underperformed last season. Running back Alvin Kamara, serving a suspension for the early regular season games, watched from the sidelines, but his backups, including Williams and rookie Kendre Miller, showed they can handle the load. Miller, in particular, flashed elusiveness on a 15-yard scamper, though he needs to work on pass protection to earn more trust.

The Cardinals, in a rebuilding phase after a tumultuous offseason, used this game to evaluate young talent amid uncertainty at quarterback. Tune's ability to extend plays with his legs drew comparisons to Murray, but his decision-making will need refinement. Defensively, the unit's aggression under Gannon's scheme was evident, with multiple pressures and hits on the quarterback, but penalties— including a costly roughing the passer flag—hampered their efforts.

As the final whistle blew, the Saints celebrated a hard-fought win that, while meaningless in the standings, boosted morale and provided tape for coaches to dissect. Key takeaways include the emergence of young playmakers like Perry and Bresee, who could contribute sooner than expected. For Arizona, the loss exposed inconsistencies but also revealed potential in their rookie class. Both teams will look to build on this as they head into the rest of preseason, with the Saints facing the Chargers next and the Cardinals taking on the Chiefs.

This opener was a classic preseason affair: sloppy at times, with penalties and turnovers aplenty, but rich in evaluation opportunities. Coaches emphasized effort and execution post-game, with Allen noting the importance of "cleaning up the little things" before Week 1 of the regular season. Gannon echoed similar sentiments, praising his team's fight while stressing fundamentals. Fans in attendance got an entertaining show, complete with big plays and close calls, reminding everyone that even in August, football's drama is never far away.

Looking deeper, the Saints' offensive line held up reasonably well against Arizona's pass rush, allowing Carr and company time to operate. This is crucial for a team that struggled with protection issues last year. Tight end Juwan Johnson, returning from injury, made a couple of grabs, adding another dimension to the passing game. On the flip side, the Cardinals' running back room, led by James Conner, found some holes but couldn't sustain drives, pointing to a need for better blocking upfront.

In terms of strategy, the Saints experimented with some new wrinkles in their play-calling under offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, incorporating more motion and play-action to keep defenses off-balance. This could be a sign of evolution from their sometimes predictable schemes of the past. Defensively, they blitzed more frequently than in previous preseasons, generating pressure but also leaving gaps in coverage that Arizona exploited on occasion.

For the Cardinals, the game was a testing ground for Gannon's philosophies, borrowed from his time in Philadelphia. The emphasis on physicality was clear, with hard hits and pursuit to the ball. However, execution faltered in critical moments, such as a failed two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game late.

Overall, this matchup encapsulated the essence of preseason football: a blend of evaluation, experimentation, and entertainment. As both teams move forward, the lessons learned here will shape their preparations for a grueling regular season. The Saints appear poised for contention in the NFC South, provided they stay healthy, while the Cardinals face a steeper climb but have building blocks in place. With more games on the horizon, the intrigue only builds from here. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full SB Nation Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/preseason-week-1-saints-vs-140000191.html ]