Instant Reaction: Arizona Cardinals Hang On for Gritty Week One Win

The Arizona Cardinals — barely — hung on for a 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Arizona gave New Orleans plenty of opportunities to come back, but the Cardinals’ new-look defense bent, and didn’t break.

An instant reaction to Arizona’s week one victory:

Instant Reaction: Arizona Cardinals Hang On

Arizona’s defense did what was expected of them. They held the Saints to 13 points and cemented the win, though it didn’t quite look the way some would have anticipated.

The Saints’ quick-throw offense did put somewhat of a damper on Arizona’s revamped pass rush. The Cardinals managed only one sack and did not force a turnover, relying more on secondary coverage. Saints QB Spencer Rattler looked decisive and too comfortable despite only completing 27 of his 46 pass attempts.

Arizona’s DBs gave up a hefty portion of underneath yardage, but the downfield coverage was excellent. Max Melton and Garrett Williams looked sturdy, and rookie Will Johnson made an excellent first impression. Johnson looks more than equipped to handle NFL-caliber WRs.

A spectacular play by safeties Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker in the end zone thwarted the Saints’ last minute comeback attempt, ripping the ball out of the receiver’s hands to prevent a game-tying score.

Arizona’s defense did its part, but still appeared to be finding its footing as a unit. That’s something that will come with time, and the results were still ultimately positive. For as much talk as there was in the offseason surrounding the improved defensive line, it was the secondary that secured victory for Arizona.

But the Cardinals’ offense looked out of sorts in an all-too-familiar fashion. Poorly-timed sacks, some strange situational playcalling, and sloppy execution hindered what could have been a blowout.

Outside of a few positive drives, it wasn’t the prettiest showing. The Cardinals struggled to establish the run in the way they’ve been known to do, and while there were some fireworks from WR Marvin Harrison Jr. through the air, the passing attack once again struggled to come up with explosives.

QB Kyler Murray made some impressive plays, but also took some poor sacks. He missed Harrison over the middle on what could have been a wide-open home run ball. Arizona’s offense appeared disjointed, and still lacked the big-play ability fans have been craving.

That may not change.

But winning ugly is still winning. A blowout seemed feasible against a weak Saints squad, but it ultimately became the defense’s responsibility to hold a relatively thin lead. If they’re capable of doing so consistently, Arizona’s offense won’t need to explode, but some improvements would be welcomed when the Cardinals’ schedule begins to get tougher.

It’s always a positive to start the season 1-0, and Arizona’s defense looks to be their strength once again.