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The New Orleans Saints kicked their 2019 schedule off at home against a tough Houston Texans team. It was a game that came down to the closing seconds, but a Will Lutz 58-yard field goal as time expired earned Who Dat nation a 30-28 victory.
Drew Brees and company came up clutch in the closing seconds of the game. After the defense gave up a 37-yard touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Kenny Still, the Saints were able to get into long field goal range. Lutz took it from there and took the Saints to 1-0 on the season.
After a rough end to last season with the missed pass interference call in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, it was good for New Orleans to get off to this start. The fans have been dealing with a sour taste from last season ever since. This win doesn't make up for it, but it's a start.
Needless to say, the Saints are once again viewed as serious contenders in the NFC. They still have one of the league's most dangerous offenses and their defense is capable of making plays here and there as well.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three immediate reactions to the Saints' season-opening win.
3. The Saints' Pass Rush Is Lethal
Let's start off on the defensive side of the football with the pass rush. New Orleans has always had talent on the edge, but it showed off in a big way this week. They were able to put Watson on his back six times throughout the course of their opener.
Trey Hendrickson led the way for the Saints with two sacks in the contest, with P.J. Williams, Cameron Jordan, and Alex Anzalone all picking up a sack apiece. If New Orleans can keep up this kind of pressure, they are going to be a very difficult team to beat.
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2. Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas Are Picking Up Where They Left Off
Next up, the Saints had to be very happy with the production that their two offensive superstars made for Drew Brees. Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas both had big games against the Texans.
Kamara ended up carrying the football 13 times for 97 yards and catching seven passes for 72 yards. Thomas, on the other hand, ended up catching 10 passes for 123 yards, but did not find the end zone. If those two guys can continue stepping up and making plays each and every week, Brees is going to have a lot of pressure lifted off of his shoulders.
1. Drew Brees Hasn't Changed A Bit
Finally, the Saints will only go as far as Drew Brees can take them. He has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for years and that hasn't changed. Brees hasn't changed a bit, completing 32 of his 43 pass attempts for 370 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
New Orleans is going to be a contender as long as Brees is playing at this level. He showed off his ability to make clutch plays once again on the final drive of the game. Brees is back and just as good as he has always been.
