Jeremy Trottier and Darrion Gray
September 15, 2024 3:48 pm CT
The New Orleans Saints’ Week 2 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys ended in a surprising 44-19 victory, with Klint Kubiak’s offense putting plenty of points on the board while Dennis Allen’s defense took the ball away and got off the field when they needed to.
This leaves the Saints with an impressive 2-0 record heading into their Week 3 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, where they are returning for a home game in front of the Who Dat Nation at the Caesars Superdome.
Following this lopsided win at AT&T Stadium, here are our eight takeaways from the Saints’ big win:
1
Pete Carmichael was the issueAug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Klint Kubiak is the answer. In all seriousness, the offense through the first two weeks (as we discuss later) has looked absolutely outstanding. Much of the struggles last season were attributed to the players and not the coaching, but it has become immensely clear that Pete Carmichael was the issue, as many had believed for a few seasons now. Having offensive playcalling alongside the defensive prowess of Dennis Allen is amazing to watch.
2
Alvin Kamara is back and ready to goARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Through two weeks Kamara has 35 carries for 198 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, as well as 7 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has proven that he is back to form and ready for that new extension, and the price may be going up. He has been a critical part of this Saints’ offensive awakening, and it is great to see him utilized to the best of his abilities.
3
Taliese Fuaga may be on track to being a franchise tackleAug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (75) during the warmups before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Taliese Fuaga through two games has been mentioned pretty much not at all by broadcasts due to blown coverage or anything of the sort, and that is impressive for a rookie offensive tackle. The Saints have only allowed two sacks of Derek Carr through these first two games, and one was Carr rolling out to the sideline and just running out behind the LOS. Fuaga has been quietly anchoring the left side of the line with Lucas Patrick so far, and it is extremely impressive.
4
It wasn't "just the Panthers"Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) leaps on tight end Juwan Johnson (83) after he catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller (20) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Many believed the Saints were overhyped after Week 1 due to them “only” beating the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled no doubt, but they did what they could with the opponent given. This week proved more, against a presumed playoff team in the Cowboys, the Saints absolutely blew them out of the water, and proved they may be ready to contend again with a few more quality wins throughout the next few weeks.
5
The Saints' offense is for realSep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) takes a pitch from quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints starting offense scored on their first 15 possessions of 2024. Matthew Hayball didn’t see the field until the fourth quarter of Week 2. Derek Carr was efficient. Alvin Kamara and the run game was consistent. This offense went against a respectable defense and nothing changed. The offense is for real.
6
This team is a playoff contenderARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Jamaal Williams #21 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after running the ball during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
It feels too soon to call a team with the Saints’ preseason expectations a playoff contender. You don’t want to exaggerate or overreact. However, it feels almost reckless to not call them a playoff contender after the first two weeks. The defense has been a proven commodity and the offense looks for real. (Look above) The components are there, and ignoring it would be irresponsible.
7
The pass rush still has work to doNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Bryan Bresee #90 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a defensive play during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
There were moments where the Saints pass rush got to Dak Prescott, but in the first half Prescott had too much time to just sit back. The secondary is the strength of the team, but they could use some help. The defense line applied late pressure that has to carry into Week 3.
8
Kool-Aid McKinstry held his ownNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Kool-Aid McKinstry #14 of the New Orleans Saints looks on after playing the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
In the first start, McKinstry was prepared for the occasion. His standout play came on a pass to CeeDee Lamb. Prescott targeted his star wide receiver in solo coverage against the rookie. McKinstry made a good play on the ball before Will Harris delivered the big hit. This is why they drafted McKinstry. With Lattimore out, the Saints look like they found another cornerback.