The New Orleans Saints dropped to 0-1 on the season after losing 20-13 to the Arizona Cardinals. After holding an early 7-3 lead, the Cardinals responded with a touchdown and never looked back. The Saints’ defense, however, was able to respond in the fourth quarter setting QB Spencer Rattler up with a chance to tie the game. Rattler and the offense drove down the field, but failed to find the endzone before time expired.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 7: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 7, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) Getty Images
Kamara – 18-yard rushing touchdown
Running back Alvin Kamara scores the first touchdown of the season for the Saints, slipping through tackles for 18 yards. 7-3 Saints lead 5:43 left in the first quarter.
Blake Grupe – 36-yard field goal
Blake Grupe evens the game with a 36-yard field goal after a 10-play 37-yard drive. 10-10 with 4:58 left in the second quarter.
Blake Grupe – 28-yard field goal
The Saints’ final points of the day come in the fourth quarter after another Blake Grupe field goal. 20-13 1:52 left in the fourth quarter.
Penalties: 13 for 89 yards
Third down efficiency: 5-14
Time of possession: 26:14
Passing: 27/46, 208. 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: 22 ATT, 107 YDS, 4.9 YPC, 1 TD
Pass defense: 21/29, 130 YDS, 2 TD
Run defense: 27 ATT, 146 YDS, 5.4 YPC, 0 TD
QB Spencer Rattler: 27/46, 208. 0 TD, 0 INT, 4 CAR, 29 YDS
TE Juwan Johnson: 11 TGTs, 8 REC, 76 YDS
RB Alvin Kamara: 11 ATT, 45 YDS, 1 TD
DE Cameron Jordan: 3 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 2 TFL, 1 PD
LB Pete Werner: 9 Tackles, 1 Sack
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 18: Quarterback Spencer Rattler #18 of the New Orleans Saints hands off the bal during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers, at Levi’s Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) Getty Images
The Saints will stay in New Orleans to take on the Brock Purdy-led San Francisco 49ers for a Week 2 matchup. After falling to 0-1 on the season, the ability to respond in next Sunday’s matchup becomes emphasized for Kellen Moore and the Saints.