Saints' biggest offseason decision rewards them with NFL history in Week 1 win over Panthers
The New Orleans Saints came out firing in Week 1. They scored the first touchdown of Sunday's slate of NFL games when Derek Carr connected with Rashid Shaheed for a 59-yard TD. From that point on, New Orleans did not look back. Their offense dominated on the ground, and Derek Carr was incredibly efficient through […]
The New Orleans Saints came out firing in Week 1. They scored the first touchdown of Sunday's slate of NFL games when Derek Carr connected with Rashid Shaheed for a 59-yard TD.
From that point on, New Orleans did not look back. Their offense dominated on the ground, and Derek Carr was incredibly efficient through the air. Carr finished the game 19/23 for 200 yards and three passing touchdowns. The Saints ran for 180 yards as well.
The first game under the Klint Kubiak tutelage on offense was a massive success. New Orleans looked collected and smooth on that side of the ball. There were no quick bog downs or major miscommunications.
Saints offense makes NFL history in Week 1 win
The Saints became the 1st team since at least 2000 to score on 1st 9 drives in a season opener, according to Josh Dubow.
New Orleans did not punt with their offensive starters playing. Their first punt came late in the fourth quarter with Jake Haener at quarterback. By that point, the Saints were just trying to run the ball and the clock out.
You could tell that players were comfortable in Kubiak's system already.
His use of motion and space are aspects that play to the strengths of players like Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, Rashid Shaheed, and plenty of others. Derek Carr had arguably his best game as a Saint, too.
Clearly, the swap from Pete Carmichael Jr. to Klint Kubiak had early returns for Dennis Allen and his team. It was a decision that would've probably costed Allen his job this season if it did not pan out.
So far, it looks like a massive improvement at offensive play-caller. Let's see how the rest of the season shakes out, though.
