1. Quick hits
The New Orleans Saints wore white jerseys and gold pants vs Arizona. --- Game time temperature was 109 degrees outdoors, however, the retractable roof at State Farm Stadium (thankfully) was closed, with a natural grass surface. --- All healthy available bodies played for the Saints, definitely somewhat of a departure from years past. The game captains for the Saints were Cam Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu, and J.T. Gray. --- The Saints starting offensive line has been a topic throughout camp, especially at left guard where at first Nick Saldiveri began as the starter, but since he went down with a calf injury early in practice No. 5, the first team reps have been split between Lucas Patrick and Oli Udoh. Patrick got the nod against the Cardinals, along with Taliese Fuaga at left tackle, Erik McCoy at center, Cesar Ruiz at right guard, and Trevor Penning at right tackle. -- With both starting cornerbacks (Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo) also out, Alontae Taylor and rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry started on the outside. --- With starting linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner not playing with injury, Willie Gay Jr. and D'Marco Jackson started on first team defense. -- Derek Carr started at quarterback and worked two series, going 2 for 6 for 12 yards. --Gay was disruptive on defense despite limited playing time. The fifth-year vet from Mississippi State led the Saints first- half defense with five tackles (thee solo), one that stopped a fourth-down conversion on a Desmond Ridder sneak, and TFL (tackle for loss). -- The Saints defense held Arizona on all three of their fourth-down attempts.
2. Play how you practice
If you've been following Takeaways the past week, we have discussed how the Saints have used many two-minute situations during training camp practices in Irvine. In those situations, quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler have performed very well. In the first preseason game against Arizona, Coach Dennis Allen had to have been pleased when both quarterbacks were put in those very situations. Haener at the end of the first half engineered a five-play, 73-yard drive that took just 29 seconds off the clock (more below), that gave the Saints a 6-0 lead. Those points would loom large at the end of the ballgame. Then, with the Saints trailing 14-13 and just 1:50 left on the fourth quarter clock, it was Rattler's time to go to work. Rattler methodically moved the Saints down the field, completing passes to four receivers along the way. He also drew two important neutral zone infractions on the Cardinal defense for 10 more precious yards. With 31 seconds remaining, and the ball at the Arizona 32, Rattler found newcomer Samson Nacua on a right sideline route for 13 yards down to the Arizona 19-yard line. Rattler clocked the ball with 11 seconds remaining, setting up a potential game-winning kick attempt by the Irishman Charlie Smyth, who incredibly had never kicked an American football in a live game before. With the ball placed on the right hash, Smythe's 37 yard field goal was perfect, culminating the 12-play, 56-yard drive in 1:50 and sealing the Saints' 16-14 victory. It was a fantastic way to end the first preseason game of 2024 and also had to be a confidence-builder for both quarterbacks, who proved they could run the two-minute offense under the bright lights of a game and not just the practice field at UC-Irvine.
3. Play of the Day
The Saints had just turned the Cardinals over on downs at their own 12-yard line with 29 seconds left in the second quarter . Time to take a knee and get to the halftime locker room, right? Not in the preseason, where every rep counts. Haener found running back James Robinson over the middle for a pickup of nine and called timeout. Then on second-and-one, Haener dropped back, got protection, and saw wide receiver A.T. Perry running free down the left sideline. Haener delivered the ball perfectly in stride, Perry made the catch and stepped out of bounds for a 58-yard reception with 14 seconds left in the half. Three plays later kicker Blake Grupe converted from 33 yards to give the Saints a 6-0 lead at the half. Later in the third quarter, Perry forced a 34-yard pass interference penalty on Cardinal cornerback Elijah Jones which set the Saints up nicely and turned into points with a four-yard touchdown scramble by Rattler which gave the Saints a 13-7 lead. He would finish his evening in the desert with four catches for 85 yards. Perry really came on last week during training camp and it's plays like those the Saints will need on a consistent basis from the second-year pro from Wake Forest.
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.
