The New Orleans Saints fell to the Detroit Lions in week one, but the final score isn’t telling of this game. Ask most fans, and they aren’t disappointed or disheartened after this loss, but are instead hopeful and optimistic about their team.
There’s a lot to be excited about for this team, even at 0-1. This is the polar opposite of last year and shows the job that Kellen Moore has done.
Because of this, the stock report reflects that. For possibly the first time ever, there are significantly more winners than losers, despite a disappointing outcome. That said, it’s time to dive into four winners and two losers from week one.
Chris Olave and Tyler Shough headline a long list of winners.
Chris Olave
Some players get complacent after signing a massive extension, not Olave. He left no questions about his value by having 10 receptions for 182 yards. He’s the star of this offense and will be Tyler Shough’s go-to guy when they need an explosive play or a first down.
Beyond that, Olave started wearing a guardian cap. Although it’s a small change, it’s a huge win for the Saints, as his biggest concern is his health, which the cap will help ensure.
Tyler Shough
What a turn of events.
Tyler Shough had the worst 2.5 quarters of football that he’s ever played. However, he rebounded and was stellar down the stretch, commanding the Saints' comeback and forcing overtime. He won’t always have great games, but this ability to battle adversity and move on, even after bad plays, is crucial in a starting quarterback.
It’s still early, but it looks like the Saints have found their franchise quarterback.
Jonas Sanker
Sanker transitioned from a safety to Brandon Staley’s STAR role this offseason (a hybrid between linebacker, safety, and slot cornerback). Despite the massive change, he impressed against the Lions and looked comfortable, leading the team with 10 tackles and one TFL. He was reliable and had some huge plays, whether it was a tackle in open space or almost gathering a fumble for a touchdown.
Brandon Staley
Say what you want about the depth of the Saints’ defense; Brandon Staley made it work. Detroit's 31 points are misleading, since 21 came off turnovers or in overtime. For the most part (outside of Jahmyr Gibbs), they limited a dynamic Lions offense and allowed Kellen Moore’s offense to bounce back and make it a close game.
The offensive line disappointed in week one.
Offensive line
Too much capital has been invested in the offensive line for them to surrender five sacks. Shough was frequently under pressure, and they couldn’t win the trenches in the run game. There’s still plenty of time to improve, and the Lions have a great defensive line, but this was a worrisome start for the unit.
Saints relationships with the refs
The Saints have a long, tumultuous relationship with the refs, which didn’t get better on Sunday. They were on the heel end of a call that erased a touchdown in the first half. I’m not here to state the ramifications of it or whether it was right, but it certainly impacted the game.
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