Within the New Orleans Saints first recreation motion of the 2023 season, there was quite a bit to love particularly from their beginning lineups.

On the offensive aspect of the ball, Derek Carr seemed extraordinarily snug and environment friendly in his drive as a Saint. He accomplished 6 of his 8 makes an attempt (one drop from Olave) for 70 yards and a TD. He unfold the ball everywhere in the discipline hitting 4 completely different receivers to finish an 80-yard scoring drive. He moved exceptionally nicely within the pocket and did a terrific job of maneuvering his method via strain. Simply a wonderful all-around job by the veteran.

Juwan Johnson was lively instantly on the primary drive catches 2 passes for 29 yards. He and Carr appear to have a great connection brewing. The identical may be stated about Alvin Kamara who seemed very explosive operating the ball and within the receiving recreation.

The offensive line seemed nice as nicely in each the operating and passing recreation.

The primary staff protection additionally made their presence identified towards the defending Tremendous Bowl champs. The staff restricted Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense to a brief 6-play drive ending in a punt. The entrance seven stuffed a TE sneak (?) on a 4th and 1 to offer their offense the ball again. The inside go rush seemed good at instances with some good rushes by Bresee and Khalen Saunders. Nothing was given up within the secondary as all 15 of Mahomes’ yards have been to Edwards-Helaire out the again discipline. The run protection was strong as nicely, one thing that dropped off a bit final season. This play was continued the next drive the place they pressured a fast three and out.

There have been some standouts within the 2nd and third staff squads as nicely however none greater than sixth spherical decide A.T. Perry. A.T. Perry stole the present on offense with the twos as he caught 6 of his 6 targets for 70 yards and a landing. He was very easy in his popping out of his breaks and made some very nice catches in tight protection. With no different receiver doing a lot of something in these teams, Perry might have even made the roster because the groups 4th or fifth man already.

With all the great, there have been some disappointing performances from gamers we anticipated to make some noise.

Alontae Taylor performed an honest variety of snaps within the slot the place he didn’t look so nice. Taylor acquired beat by Richie James on a seam route for 43 yards, which was adopted by giving up a landing to James on what seemed like a giant of confusion between he and Bradley Roby on a change idea. Not a great search for somebody who may be very a lot within the operating for the CB2 function.

Jake Haener was one other participant we have been anticipating to make some performs as he’s had such a terrific camp however simply seemed very poor in his first NFL motion. He was inaccurate on his throws and didn’t appear very snug within the pocket. One other instance of how video games can show a lot completely different than what you do in camp.

Different notes:

• LBs Nephew Sewell, Demarco Jackson and Ryan Connelly all did some good issues
• Payton Turner had some good rushes at instances
• Ugo Amadi made some performs, just a few PBUs and a decide
• Ellis Merriweather ran the ball successfully
• Trevor Penning did Trevor Penning issues
• The second staff offensive line didn’t look good
• Jontre Kirklin did nicely returning kicks
• Jimmy Graham acquired a welcoming fan response together with his first catch

The Saints will likely be heading to L.A. this week to carry joint practices with the Chargers in preparation for his or her matchup subsequent Sunday. We sit up for seeing extra optimistic outcomes from this staff within the subsequent few weeks. For now, thus far so good.

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