Cardinals Edge Past Saints 20-13 in Season Opener: Key Plays and Missed Opportunities

Opening Day Disappointment for New Orleans

The Arizona Cardinals emerged victorious with a 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in Sunday’s season-opener at the Caesars Superdome, marking a disappointing debut for new head coach Kellen Moore and ending the Saints’ impressive streak of six consecutive opening game victories.

Key Moments and Performances

While the Saints’ defense showed promise by pressuring Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray with five sacks, including 1.5 from veteran defensive end Cam Jordan, Murray managed to counter with effective scrambling, gaining 38 yards on the ground. The Cardinals’ offense found success with explosive plays, including a 52-yard carry by running back Trey Benson and a 45-yard reception by Marvin Harrison Jr., both of which led to scoring opportunities.

The Saints’ performance was hampered by 13 accepted penalties, and the team suffered a further setback when starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga left the game with a knee injury in the second half.

Final Minutes Drama

The Saints had an opportunity to force overtime but fell short when their final drive ended with an incomplete pass on fourth-and-10 from the 18-yard line.

Looking Ahead

The New Orleans Saints will look to bounce back from this defeat when they host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 14. The game highlighted the challenges ahead for Moore’s team, particularly for quarterback Spencer Rattler, who won the starting job in training camp after competing with 2025 second-round draft choice Tyler Shough. Rattler, who started six games as a rookie last season, threw for 1,317 yards and four touchdowns in his previous appearances, though he is still searching for his first NFL win as a starter.