Statistically Speaking: Saints vs. Cardinals

By Ross Jackson

The opening week of the NFL fast approaches and the New Orleans Saints are readying for their bout with the Arizona Cardinals in the Big Easy. 

The first few games of a new NFL season present unique challenges with new personnel, new coaches, unscouted looks and changing schemes. It can be helpful to look back at the previous season in order to better understand a team with year-to-year consistency. 

However, considering the moves that were made throughout the offseason and how they may impact each category is a must. Here is a look at each major statistic from last year, where each team finished in that category’s ranking and the context of offseason changes that could improve or harm those standings. 

Scoring Offense vs. Scoring Defense

Saints Offense – No. 24 | Cardinals Defense – No. 15

The Saints scoring offense hit a brick wall last year. After rattling off 91 points over the team’s first two games, it took the next six weeks to eclipse that total (94).

To help with this, the Saints made two major staff changes. First, they hired new head coach Kellen Moore, a return to the offensive head coach for New Orleans. Second, they hired Ted Rath as their new Director of Sports Performance. 

Moore brings with him high octane and creative offensive approaches while Rath looks to turn the team’s health issues around. If both are successful, offensive production will see a boost in 2025 and beyond as the team continues its multi-year rebuild plan. 

Arizona was already in the top half of the league, but their further investments in the team’s defensive front could help them perform even better this year. Pass rush additions Josh Sweat and Jordan Burch, combined with the return of Calais Campbell, highlight a clear focus on strengthening the defense and pressuring quarterbacks.

Cardinals Offense – No. 12 | Saints Defense – No. 19

A lot of the Cardinals’ offseason was spent preserving its offense. Running back James Conner was extended in November before the 2024 season concluded, tight end Trey McBride was given a massive extension this offseason and the team made efforts in keeping its offensive line together and expanded. 

Meanwhile, the Saints changed their system entirely. With new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley in the mix, New Orleans is going to play with a lot more vision in the quarterback and with more lateral reach across the defense. Both should put them in a more advantageous position to defend against big plays and get to the perimeter much more effectively in the run game. 

Point Differential

Saints – minus-60 (No. 23) | Cardinals – plus-21 (No. 12)

Everything from the above categories comes to a head here. Complementary football will be a must, something the Saints struggled to achieve throughout the season. The hope here for New Orleans is that the relationship, connection and experience that Moore and Staley have together will translate to the field. 

Passing Offense vs. Passing Defense (Yards)

Saints Offense – No. 23 | Cardinals Defense – No. 14

Injuries at quarterback and wide receiver harmed this area of the game for New Orleans. By the end of the season, New Orleans didn’t have a single starting wide receiver, while cycling through three different starting quarterbacks. 

One of those passers, Spencer Rattler, has shown some notable strides this offseason and has earned the starting role. The expectation is that eventually the team will turn things over to rookie Tyler Shough, which could cause some halting in the passing game as the team recalibrates to another passer. But until then, it’s Rattler’s ship to steer with the focus on building from last year. 

The Cardinals made some big decisions in their secondary. Re-signing safety Budda Baker was the biggest. The versatile, playmaking safety is the lynchpin of the Arizona defensive backs. He’s disruptive, very intelligent and rangy. He’ll be a player to watch in the Cardinals’ defense. 

Arizona also drafted cornerback Will Johnson out of Michigan who sported some fantastic tape. However he fell into the second round of the draft because of injuries limiting his draft process. If he plays up like he did in college, he’ll be a nuisance for Rattler and his receivers. 

Cardinals Offense – No. 18 | Saints Defense – No. 27

Saints’ safety Justin Reid and his defensive secondary will be put to the test early this season and the Cardinals are no exception. Quarterback Kyler Murray can extend action and churn out some big plays if the defense can’t keep up. Add in a potential second-year leap for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. along with the return of tight end Trey McBride and the Arizona offense can push the ball downfield in a hurry.

Rushing Offense vs. Rushing Defense (Yards)

Saints Offense – No. 14 | Cardinals Defense – No. 20

The Saints’ rushing offense was one of its bright spots last year, though the light dulled at times with offensive line injuries. But Moore is known for his strong rushing attacks, which the Saints will hope to see get off the ground quickly. Running back Alvin Kamara could be in line for a big season. 

The Cardinals added a pair of big defensive tackles this offseason among others, Dalvin Tomlinson and Walter Nolen. Nolen will begin in the Physically Unable to Perform list, rendering him unavailable for Sunday’s game. But Tomlinson’s presence could still be a difference maker alongside Campbell. 

Cardinals Offense – No. 7 | Saints Defense – No. 31

Arizona’s done well to maintain and build upon its offensive line while retaining running back James Conner late last year. The two should allow the Cardinals to stay effective on the ground. This game will provide an immediate litmus test for the Saints in handling mobile quarterbacks. Murray can escape quickly and pick up some chunk yards. 

Staley’s defense asks for a considerable amount less of the 5-tech or 4i defensive end and a lot more wide-9 alignments from the position. That should allow the athletic rushers to capture the edge of the defense much better. 

Turnover Differential

Saints – minus-2 (T-No. 16) | Cardinals – minus-3 (No. 18)

With a young quarterback in tow for New Orleans, turnovers and the management of will be a part of the team’s growing pains. What will help is if the defense can find ways to get the ball back. 

Third Down Conversion Rate

Saints Offense – 35.2% (No. 28) | Cardinals Defense – 43.8% (No. 28) 

New Orleans traded for a big-bodied wideout Devaughn Vele this offseason, a player known for his chain-moving abilities and sure hands. He will see a focused role early that will grow throughout the season. Ideally though, part of his early role is using that 6-foot-4, 210-plus pound frame on third downs and in red zone situations. 

Cardinals Offense – 43% (No. 8) | Saints Defense – 41.1% (No. 21)

It’s going to be all about the pressure packages here for New Orleans. Cornerback Alontae Taylor is sure to see some unique pass rushing opportunities in Staley’s system. Those play calls may become very important immediately, as Murray will quickly look to lean on his physical tight end, McBride, and skilled pass-catchers in their third down situations. Immediate pressure will be a key, something the new defensive system should be able to contribute. 

Pressure Rate Allowed vs. Generated

Saints Offense – No. 25 | Cardinals Defense – No. 23

With Carl Granderson and Cam Jordan now being asked to stand up and rush the passer off of wider alignments that take advantage of their speed and athleticism, New Orleans should be able to turn up the pressure this year. 

The team’s new five-down alignment is set to create some more one-on-one opportunities for the pass rush. If New Orleans can take advantage of that, it may force Arizona to keep Conner or McBride in to help with pass protection, which would be a major help for the Saints. 

Cardinals Offense – No. 6 | Saints Defense – No. 21

Arizona was a very successful pressure defense last year and is now looking to maintain that reputation with new talent. If the new faces click immediately, Arizona can retain that pass rush success. If it takes time for everyone to gel, then New Orleans comes out looking all the better for it. The Cardinal’s pass rush is expected to be very good this year, the only question is when it will kick into high gear.