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What We Learned From the Saints In Week 1

A look at some of the things we learned from the Saints after their Week 1 game against the Titans.

John Hendrix

What We Learned From the Saints In Week 1
What We Learned From the Saints In Week 1 /
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NEW ORLEANS -- It wasn't the prettiest game on offense, but the Saints were able to knock off the Titans to extend their regular season opener winning streak to five games. New Orleans won a defensive battle 16-15, allowing only field goals to Tennessee on Sunday. Here's some learnings and takeaways from Week 1.

What We Learned In Week 1

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Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports

MICHAEL THOMAS SURE DOESN'T LOOK WASHED

Despite what many have claimed, Michael Thomas looked like Michael Thomas in the first game of the year. Thomas was the target on the first offensive play of the game for the Saints, as he got a 25-yard hookup from Derek Carr. By halftime, he had 3 catches for 46 yards on 5 targets. He finished out with 5 catches for 61 yards on 8 targets, and it was good to see him have some success. This is a big year for Thomas, and he will be needed in more ways than one.

RASHID SHAHEED REBOUNDS AND SHINES AS A WEAPON

Rashid Shaheed had a rough start to the game, coughing up the football on the game's opening kickoff. Dennis Allen said that it was the first time Shaheed had got tackled in quite some time, but he bounced back in a big way to finish with 89 yards and a score on 5 catches. He also made two very smart plays towards the end of the game, getting a catch that helped seal the game and also another play in which he stayed inbounds to keep the clock moving late. His WR3 status will continue to shine big.

BLINDSIDE PASS PROTECTION IS WORRISOME

Trevor Penning will hopefully have better days, but he had a horrible first half. Arden Key ate his lunch, and there was no other way to put it. The Saints allowed three sacks in the first half, losing 16 yards. The worst part is it totally killed their drives. Allowing a free rusher to get home on Derek Carr is not a good look at all, and something this offense can't afford to have happen.

Now, things looked a lot better in the second half, and that's because they gave him some extra help. The adjustments made by Dennis Allen's coaching staff proved to be a big deal and helped keep Carr upright most of the rest of the game. Allen said after the game that he isn't worried about this, as the Titans were one of the tougher fronts this team will face. 

THE CHRIS OLAVE SHOW IS FUN

We've been talking about Chris Olave all summer, and he showed up in a big way to finish with 112 receiving yards on 8 catches. He was targeted 10 times on the day by Carr, and was able to get wide open a couple of times during the game. He's in for a huge second year, but you would have known that well before I'm saying this if you've paid attention.

MARSHON LATTIMORE IS IN EXCELLENT FORM

Marshon Lattimore is going to be a huge part of what the Saints do defensively, and he had himself a strong first half to let everyone know he was back. He had a couple of pass breakups working against DeAndre Hopkins, as well as an interception on a crazy play he made. The only times he came off was due to him being 'gassed' as Dennis Allen said. He could have had a few picks on the day.

SAINTS DEFENSE SETS A HECK OF A TONE

New Orleans allowed just two 3rd Down conversions on 12 attempts today, and they also had three picks. Couple that with a few sacks and the blocked punt and it was quite a display from the Saints defense. Oh by the way, they only allowed field goals today, further supporting the 'bend, don't break' mentality. Plus, they held Derrick Henry to 63 yards on 15 carries. The only play they would have liked back is the 46-yard screen play to him that flipped the field. This unit is going to carry them a long way, and it gave life to the Superdome crowd, who also showed out in a big way.

THE BLAKE GRUPE DECISION LOOKS GOOD

Undrafted rookie Blake Grupe made the most of his kicks on Sunday, hitting three field goals and his extra point. He had leg to spare when he hit from 52 to tie things up at 9 in the third quarter. There will be more pressure situations for him as the season rolls on, but this was a great debut for the rookie kicker.

You can check out the live updates thread with my complete notes and thoughts from the game.

Big Saints Plays

Carr and Shaheed help seal the game with a 41-yard pickup.

Derek Carr to Rashid Shaheed for the game's first touchdown.

Paulson Adebo with the Saints' third pick of the day.

Carr to Chris Olave for 45.

Tip drill from Isaac Yiadom to Marcus Maye.

Marshon Lattimore with an excellent play to get the interception.

Zack Baun with a blocked punt to make Steve Gleason proud.

Derek Carr to Michael Thomas to open things on offense.

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John Hendrix
JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net

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