Glendale, Ariz. - The New Orleans Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals 16-14 in the preseason opener on Saturday at State Farm Stadium thanks to a 37-yard field goal by rookie Charlie Smyth with five seconds to play. It was the first kick in Smyth's brief NFL career.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler led the Saints on the winning scoring drive, taking the team 56 yards in one minute and 50 seconds. Rattler, who came into the game in the third quarter, was nine of 17 for 70 yards with a tough 4-yard touchdown run that Coach Dennis Allen had to challenge to get called correctly.
All of the Saints' available starters played - although most for just two short series - and while the offense didn't score the unit also did show much of its plans to upcoming regular season opponents.
"It's frustrating, because you're getting ready for a game but you're not game-planning," quarterback Derek Carr said in an in-game TV interview with Erin Summers. "I didn't even know who was going to be out there, but the execution, getting through the play calls — of course you want to score and win — but the communication we wanted to execute and we did that."
Carr was two of six for 12 yards in his limited action. Jake Haener replaced him and played the rest of the first half going nine of 13 for 107 yards, including a lovely 58-yard bomb to receiver A.T. Perry that set up the second of Blake Grupe's two first half field goals.
The defense was active early and generated good pressure on Arizona quarterback Desmond Ridder with Carl Granderson and Nathan Shepherd sharing a sack and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee adding another. Defensive end Niko Lalos had a sack in the second half and Khaleke Hudson and Jack Heflin split one. The defense also stopped three Arizona fourth-down attempts. Typical for a preseason game, penalties were an issue as the Saints had nine for 63 yards.
Jordan Mims was the leading rusher with 10 carries for 38 yards while Perry was the top receiver with four catches for 85 yards.
These Saints players didn't dress for the game: Paulson Adebo, Ugo Amadi, Demario Davis, Trajan Jeffcoat, Niko Lalos, Marshon Lattimore, Bub Means, Kendre Miller, Equanimeous St. Brown, Nick Saldiveri, Rashid Shaheed, Mason Tipton, and Pete Werner.
The Saints return to the practice fields in Irvine, Calif., on Sunday before hosting the San Francisco 49ers in two joint practices Thursday, Aug. 15 and Friday, Aug. 16. The teams then will face off Sunday at Levi's Stadium in a preseason game.
For full stats click here.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
Check out the game action shots from the New Orleans Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.
