Cardinals Grind Out Win Over Spencer Rattler, Saints Despite Struggles
New Orleans is expected to be in a rebuilding season. The Arizona Cardinals are expected to compete for the playoffs. Saints QB Spencer Rattler is expected to serve as a bridge to keep games close, then hand over the keys to second-round pick Tyler Shough soon. Kyler Murray is expected to have a breakout season, as is often the case, and maybe, just maybe, that will finally happen now.
After week one, it is already time to re-analyze expectations.
A gutty performance by the Saints and Rattler almost was enough to beat the Cardinals. Instead, the Cardinals escaped with a penalty-filled, uninspired 20-13 win in New Orleans. The game was not decided until a dropped pass in the final seconds cost Rattler a chance to tie the game.
Key Stats Led by Rattler
- Final Score: Arizona Cardinals 20, New Orleans Saints 13
- Saints QB Performance: Spencer Rattler completed 27 of 46 passes for 214 yards
- Total Penalties: Saints committed 13 penalties for 89 yards, Cardinals had 9 for 54 yards
- Total Net Yards: Cardinals 276, Saints 315
- Time of Possession: Cardinals 33:46, Saints 26:14
- Leading Rushers: Alvin Kamara (11 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD), Kyler Murray (7 carries, 38 yards)
- Leading Receivers: Juwan Johnson (8 catches, 76 yards), Marvin Harrison Jr. (5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD)
- Defensive Impact: Cam Jordan recorded 1.5 sacks, bringing his career total to 123
The Saints struggled with discipline throughout the game, with their 13 penalties proving costly against an Arizona team that capitalized on big plays. Alvin Kamara provided the lone bright spot offensively with an 18-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, while the defense managed key stops, including a Bryan Bresee field goal block and a 15-yard sack by Alontae Taylor.
Arizona’s victory was fueled by explosive plays from Trey Benson’s 52-yard carry and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 45-yard reception, both of which set up scoring opportunities. The Saints had a chance to tie the game late but fell short on fourth-and-10 from the 18-yard line.
Game Highlights and Top Performers
Game Highlights:
- First Quarter: The Cardinals took an early 3-0 lead with a 42-yard field goal from Chad Ryland.
- Second Quarter: The Saints responded with an 18-yard touchdown run by Kamara. The Cardinals then reclaimed the lead with a 1-yard touchdown catch by Harrison Jr., followed by a 4-yard touchdown pass to James Conner, making the halftime score 17-10.
- Third Quarter: The Cardinals extended their lead to 20-10 with a 50-yard field goal from Chad Ryland, set up by a 52-yard run from Trey Benson.
- Fourth Quarter: The Saints narrowed the gap to 20-13 with a 28-yard field goal. In the final two minutes, the Saints drove into the red zone, but the Cardinals’ defense, including a key play by Budda Baker, prevented a last-minute touchdown.
Top performers, the positive:
- Cardinals’ Baker’s Defensive Dominance: While his impact doesn’t always show up in the box score, Baker was the emotional leader on the field. His closing speed and sure tackling prevented big plays and kept the Saints’ offense off balance all afternoon.
- Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. Makes His Mark: The second-year receiver announced his presence with authority, hauling in five catches for 71 yards, including a spectacular 45-yard reception and a touchdown.
- Saints’ Kamara is Lone Spark: Kamara provided the only touchdown for the Saints with a vintage 18-yard scamper, weaving through traffic to find the end zone. It was a brief moment of brilliance in an otherwise frustrating day for the New Orleans offense.
- Cam Jordan: The Saints’ defensive lineman had 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, two QB hits and one pass deflection.
- Trey McBride (Cardinals TE): Caught six passes for 61 yards, with several key receptions in the second quarter
- Trey Benson (Cardinals RB): Led the team in rushing with 69 yards on eight carries, highlighted by a 52-yard run.
The not-so-great performances:
- Murray’s game: Murray threw for just 163 yards. He added 38 yards on the ground, but had several plays that left Cardinals fans scratching their heads again, asking, “What is he thinking?” A late sack over 10 yards late in the fourth quarter made him look like a high school quarterback. It was not the first time he looked that bad during the game.
- Costly Penalties Doom the Saints: The story of the game for New Orleans was the laundry on the field. Thirteen penalties for 89 yards killed multiple drives and handed the Cardinals a favorable field position. You can’t win in the NFL by consistently shooting yourself in the foot.
- Josh Sweat: After signing a four-year, $76.4 million contract that includes $41 million in guaranteed money, the Cardinals’ Sweat was non-existent. The former Eagles star had one tackle, no QB sacks or hurries, and was non-existent in the last two Saints series that almost led to a comeback. The Saints easily allotted just one blocker on him and had no trouble containing him.
