The New Orleans Saints used the offseason to build a deeper, more versatile roster around coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough.
Shough remains the starting quarterback after an encouraging rookie season, but the offense around him changed considerably. New Orleans added Travis Etienne Jr. to a backfield that already featured Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, giving Moore three players who can contribute as runners and receivers. The Saints also added size to the receiving corps with Devaughn Vele. He started opposite Chris Olave and caught a touchdown during New Orleans’ 31-30 overtime loss to Detroit.
Noah Fant joined Juwan Johnson in the tight end room and caught an overtime touchdown in the opener. David Edwards took over at left guard,
strengthening an offensive line built around Kelvin Banks Jr., Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz and Taliese Fuaga.
The defense also underwent extensive changes.
Kaden Elliss returned to New Orleans and is now starting at linebacker alongside Pete Werner. Davon Godchaux joined the interior defensive line, while Anfernee Jennings and Tyree Wilson strengthened an edge group featuring Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan. The secondary added veteran safeties Julian Blackmon and Justin Reid. Martin Emerson Jr. provides cornerback depth behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley.
Daniel Carlson and Ryan Wright took over at kicker and punter, respectively, while Barion Brown emerged as the primary returner and a significant offensive contributor.
The revised roster produced mixed results in Week 1. Shough threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns, but New Orleans committed three turnovers and fell behind 21-0 before forcing overtime. Baltimore will face a deeper offense, a more experienced secondary, and a Saints team that can create explosive plays from several personnel groupings.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens will face a significantly different Saints team in Week 2
