The New Orleans Saints will open Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season at home against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. To break it down, Seth Cox of Revenge of the Birds joins us to preview Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
NJ: Jonathan Gannon is entering his third season as Arizona’s head coach—what’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed in his approach this year?
SC: It is almost like Gannon looked at this year as the first year he could put things on his guys. He has asked more of them, given them less
days off (veteran days off to be specific) played them in the preseason and worked even more on getting them ready for the opener.
Now, we will see if that matters. Last year they played well enough to keep things close against a very good Buffalo Bills team. The expectation is now that they take the next step and win games they should win on paper.
NJ: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has an 0-3 career record against defenses led by new Saints DC Brandon Staley—what about Staley’s scheme has provided Murray the biggest challenge?
SC: It is interesting, because the first two games were against Staley the Rams defensive coordinator in 2020 and they were the best defense in the league. The first game they put up 28 points, and Murray played fine. The second game was a masterclass by Staley and they knocked Murray out of the game quick and then bullied Chris Streveler.
That third game is the one that makes you feel like it’s actually a good matchup. The Chargers defense found a way to pick Murray off in the first half, Murray got the lead in the fourth quarter, but Staley was able to put the Cardinals in plus yardage situations after three first drive run plays that netted zero total yards. Then he could dial up pressures and get after Murray.
This is where the Cardinals need to stay ahead of the sticks and be able to keep Staley chasing, not playing from ahead.
NJ: What have you seen from Marvin Harrison Jr. this offseason that suggests he’s ready to take a leap in year two, and how do you expect him to match up against the Saints’ young CB room led by second-year Kool-Aid McKinstry?
SC: I think his work ethic and focus has shown he’s ready to be a true wide receiver one. He put on muscle to be able to win contested catches more consistently, and his usage should allow for more short and quick game passes this year which get him a chance to make plays with the ball in his hands.
It is imperative that they get off to a good start with Marv to really silence the critics.
NJ: What’s one under-the-radar Cardinals player who stood out this offseason and might be a difference-maker against the Saints?
SC: Mack Wilson Sr. He’s the Arizona Cardinals defensive green dot player. He’s a captain for the first time in his career, and the Cardinals spent a lot of assets to beef up the defensive front to allow Wilson to make more plays. It’s a big task ahead for the veteran, and a lot of expectations are being put on his shoulders, we will see how he answers after being someone who has not had that role since playing at Bama.
NJ: According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Cardinals (-290) are currently 6.5-point favorites over the Saints (+235) in Sunday’s matchup; what is your final score prediction?
SC: I hate game ones. I hate game ones against teams with new head coaches, because while we know some things, we know very little about the actual team.
I want to buy into the Cardinals from the aspect that they have taken the time to build the program the right way and now should be able to make the leap into a playoff team. Yet, as a lifelong fan of the team, we’ve never seen the plan work. So, how do we get this year to be the year it happens?
I’m cautiously taking the Arizona Cardinals to win and cover, but I would only take them on the moneyline, which as you have shown, isn’t worth it.
Cardinals 24, Saints 19. Good luck and good health in this one!
Thank you again to Seth Cox for joining us to preview season opener! You can check out the rest of his work here.
