New Orleans’ Week 1 setback in the Superdome exposed a high-variance offensive night and a defense that, while sturdy, needs more big plays in crunch time. Kamara’s volume didn’t match the talent around him, Shaheed flashed pace but wasn’t a consistent target, and Johnson anchored the pass game with 8 catches. Rattler showed poise on late drives but needs downfield variance. Penalties and a missed FG stalled momentum as the Saints head to San Francisco.

Defensively, New Orleans held Arizona in check on the ground and racked up pressure from Jordan and Granderson, with Alontae Taylor delivering a fourth‑quarter sack. The schedule only gets tougher with a 49ers squad that wears you down. Week 2 becomes a must-answer for play-caller Moore and an offensive line that must cut the penalties to open up the run game and protect Rattler better.