As the 2026 season gets underway, the New Orleans Saints will have tough tasks, facing the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens, in back to back weeks to start the year. However, even with the fact that both games will be on the road, Saints head coach Kellen Moore says that the team still has confidence.
Citing the end to last season, Moore would say that the team is just excited to get going. "They're excited about the opportunity to go compete, and we're going to open up against one of the top teams in the league; it's going to be a lot of fun," he said to the media on the last day of training camp. "We know what an NFL season is going to take. There's going to be some highs, there's going to be some lows, and I think we got the right guys to navigate it."
The start of the season really isn't a tune-up for New Orleans; it's a legit first few steps toward being a serious contender in 2026. Both their first two opponents have been frequent flyers in the playoffs, more often than not being in the postseason race. Somewhere the Saints haven't been since before COVID; the confidence the team has better be a bang for its buck.
Saints' young stars should give fans confidence
Thankfully, Kellen Moore's confidence in the team isn't just coming from out of nowhere. Throughout training camp and really the whole offseason, there have been plenty of storylines and moments that have sparked hope for the future.
Despite Jordyn Tyson being out of action until at least October, nearly every other wide receiver on the team has stepped up. From rookies like Barion Brown to young veterans like Devaughn Vele, the depth of the receiving room could really be an area of strength for the Saints this year. No reason at all, for no confidence there.
The defense of New Orleans has also had a strong summer, dominating the offense at almost every turn. Even with it being a decently young core, the leadership and skill of the defense shouldn't be in question. Players like Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and Chase Young could really be the pride and joy of the team this year.
New Orleans has a tough test as the season gets underway. The legitimacy of all the offseason hype that's surrounded the team the past few months will truly be put to the test. Hopefully, the team is able to back up the comments of their head coach.
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