There was no lack of standout performances for the New Orleans Saints in the season opener, that's for sure.
In a 47-10 victory over Carolina on Sunday in the Caesars Superdome, the Saints had so many hands in the pile of goodness, it's difficult to single out any one for any phase. But single out we shall.
OFFENSE: Derek Carr owned this one. Sure, running back Alvin Kamara totaled 110 yards from scrimmage, including 83 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, and very much looked like the explosive Kamara that Saints fans have grown accustomed to seeing. And receiver Rashid Shaheed helped open the can of whoop 'em with a 59-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive, and finished with 73 yards on three catches. But the Saints' quarterback looked comfortable and in control while helming coordinator Klint Kubiak's offense. He had almost as many touchdown passes (three) as incompletions (four), finishing 19 of 23 for 200 yards in a masterful show of efficiency. Carr has said he likes this offense; Sunday, it was easy to see why.
DEFENSE: Safety Jordan Howden came up with his first career interception, safety Will Harris picked off a pass on Carolina's first offensive play and safety Tyrann Mathieu forced and recovered a fumble in what likely was one of the most productive games from that position in franchise history. But nickel cornerback Alontae Taylor had the first three-sack game by a defensive back in franchise history and added a team-high six tackles. Taylor's blitzes were well-diagnosed and well-executed plays for the third-year veteran, who entered the game with one sack in his career. He also defended a pass as the Saints swarmed the Panthers defensively.
SPECIAL TEAMS: This one, too, was a difficult call. Tight end Juwan Johnson deflected a punt and it traveled just 11 yards. Receiver Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 47 yards (he probably should have scored), had 60 yards on three punt returns and chipped in a 33-yard kickoff return that could, and probably should, have gone a lot farther. And linebacker Anfernee Orji had three special team tackles and an assist in his first NFL game, but among kicker Blake Grupe's four field goals was a career-long 57-yarder, and that confidence boost is something he should build upon this season. He also made a 52-yarder and while the percentages dip with distance, Grupe earned more confidence from his team on Sunday with two 50-plus yard field goals in the first half.
