Welcome back one and all.
The Arizona Cardinals take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday morning and we caught up with the Saints site, Canal Street Chronicles Nic Jennings’ talked all things
1. How do fans feel about the Kellen Moore era heading into Sunday?
I’d say I speak for all of Who Dat Nation when I say Kellen Moore has knocked his first offseason as Saints head coach out of the park.
Whether it’s the immediate culture shift or his emphasis on efficient time management
and recovery, he’s received high praise from his players. TE Juwan Johnson said the vibes are as high as they’ve been since the Saints started the 2021 season 5-2 before Jameis Winston’s ACL tear. Additionally, Johnson, C Erik McCoy, and RB Kendre Miller have all said this is the best they’ve felt this deep into the offseason, while veteran DT Davon Godchaux called it the best training camp he’s ever been part of.
DE Chase Young summed it up best when asked about Kellen Moore:
“We love Coach Moore—just what he’s doing right now, what he’s providing to us… He’s won it; he’s bringing all that. He knows how to win, and he’s doing things with us to be in that position also. Can’t say enough about Coach Moore.”
It’s safe to say Moore has won over both the team and the fanbase.
2. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough are both local high school products, how would you say the QB battle and the future looks?
I’d say the decision to roll with Spencer Rattler as the starter was more than justified, even if the numbers don’t fully show it:
Spencer Rattler: 30 of 43 for 295 yards (1 TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble lost)
Tyler Shough: 36 of 53 for 333 yards (1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, 1 INT, 1 fumble lost)
Rattler was the more consistent QB throughout the offseason. While it may not have shown in the small sample size of preseason games, he took a huge leap after a hard-working offseason and was dominant during training camp.
Whether it was his involvement in the community or his growth as a player, Rattler had a phenomenal offseason, and I can’t wait to see how he looks in Week 1.
Shough, on the other hand, had more trouble handling pressure compared to Rattler, who already has that year under his belt and looked ready for the speed of the NFL.
DC Brandon Staley was sending the house at the QBs all camp, and Shough clearly struggled at times, much like he did in the preseason. His panic led to several bad sacks.
Still, this is an issue that can be fixed, which is why I think it’s best to give Shough time to develop. Even his agent expressed support for the plan on social media. And it’s worth noting, I do believe Shough will see the field at some point this season.
I’m excited to see if either of these QBs can be the future of the franchise. If not, the Saints will have an intriguing 2026 draft class ahead of them.
3. How are you all feeling about Kelvin Banks (who looked great in the preseason) and shifting Trevor Penning into guard?
New Orleans may have struck gold on a franchise tackle in back-to-back drafts.
Kelvin Banks Jr. posted the highest pass-blocking grade among all offensive linemen this preseason, earning an elite 89.8 grade from Pro Football Focus after allowing zero pressures on 33 pass-block snaps.
With All-Pro tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk now retired, it’s impressive how quickly the Saints appear to have replaced them with what looks like another potentially dominant tackle duo.
Edge rusher Chase Young also praised the 21-year-old for his patience, strength, and “really good hands,” adding he plans to help get Banks Jr. “right” for his rookie season.
4. Who is the one Saints player you are looking forward to seeing on Sunday?
I’m looking forward to seeing rookie LB Danny Stutsman on Sunday.
Demario Davis and Pete Werner did not suit up for the majority of the preseason, meaning the fourth-rounder got the start and even wore the green dot on his helmet, indicating he had the communication device in his ear—a big responsibility for the 22-year-old.
With so much on his plate, Stutsman has handled it extremely well, and I’d argue he’s been one of the stars of training camp. If he can carry this momentum into the regular season, we might be looking at the potential heir to one of the most prolific defenders in franchise history—not just on the field, but off it as well, thanks to his high character and infectious personality.
5. The Saints win total is set at 4.5. What are your thoughts on that and what do you see happening on Sunday?
I’d say around 4–5 wins is about right.
This season shouldn’t be judged by losses but rather by the promising signs of young talent. It should be treated as a developmental year since it’s no secret that the Saints won’t be a good football team in 2025.
I believe Kyler Murray will put an end to Brandon Staley’s 3–0 unbeaten streak against him, as he and the Cardinals hand Spencer Rattler and the Saints their first loss of the season in the home opener by a score of 24–14.
