The "New" in New Orleans Saints is working overtime: New head coach (Kellen Moore); new season-opening starting quarterback (Spencer Rattler) engineering a new offense; new (or, at least, unused since 2002) gold jerseys; new defensive coordinator (Brandon Staley) and new alignment (3-4, from a 4-3); and, of course, new players at several positions (including safety Justin Reid) entering Sunday's opener against Arizona in the Caesars Superdome.
As long as the newness results in a victory for a starved fan based that has seen four consecutive playoff-less seasons, it won't matter. Here are a few ways the Saints can accomplish that:
1. RATTLER BITE
Rattler will be the Saints’ fourth season-opening quarterback since 2020, but he's the most experienced quarterback on the roster (started six games last season as a rookie) and that experience helped him prevail in New Orleans' quarterback battle this offseason. The poise and knowledge gained should be helpful for Rattler because while the desire won't be for him to single-handedly win the game, he has to protect the football and quickly judge risk-reward when he's required to throw. We know he's got the arm, he'll have ample opportunity to use it, but timely scrambles can help move the chains, too.
2. PLAY UP TO THE PROMISE
Rattler's protection will go a long way toward his and the offense's success, or lack thereof. And based on draft selection and investment, this unit – which includes rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (first round pick), center Erik McCoy (second round), right guard Cesar Ruiz (first round) and right tackle Taliese Fuaga (first round) – absolutely needs to be the best offensive unit. Controlling the line of scrimmage and keeping Rattler as clean as possible will help his confidence grow and allow him time to connect with his receivers, and provide space in the run game. If you're eager to see how running back Alvin Kamara will be used in Moore's offense, you're not alone. Kamara remains the most valuable offensive commodity, so his touch count and how he's used will be worth watching.
3. TAKE OFF THE WRAPS
For the minuscule amount of time that the starting defense was on the field during its preseason appearance, it appeared to be a unit with some juice and physicality. Now comes the challenge of sustaining that for four quarters. Believing you have the proper pieces and personnel, and performing that way in an NFL game, can be two entirely different things. What we know for certain is this: Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray can jitterbug his way out of trouble and make a defense look like it's running in mud. The best way to prevent that is for edge rushers Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson and defensive linemen Bryan Bresee and Davon Godchaux to keep him pinned inside the tackles as much as possible and to get Murray on the ground when they get their hands on him. That's asking a lot, but the Saints have a talented group up front.
4. DBs HOLD UP
How will the secondary hold up when Murray does have time to pass? We have to see. Cornerback Alontae Taylor is a talented play-maker who can be used several ways, and New Orleans will need Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Isaac Yiadom to hold up in coverage when they have to. Getting off the field on third down is monumental.
5. THE GOLDEN RULE
The Saints are breaking out gold jerseys for the first time since 2002. The jersey color won't win a game but if the enthusiasm generated by the color helps lead to a buzz, and that buzz turns into a play-induced roar, and that roar helps produce a home-field advantage, it will have been worth it.
