Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
While the New Orleans Saints will be without a pair of starters in the trenches, one key piece on the defensive side of the ball is set to make his return. Slot corner (or “STAR”) Alontae Taylor has missed a few weeks of action while managing a groin injury but is now cleared and ready to get on the field Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
In what is shaping up to be an exciting home opener for the Saints, getting Taylor back is a major win. His role on defense will be a versatile and disruptive one with his outstanding abilities to create chaos for opposing offenses.
Taylor covers, plays the run, rushes the passer, tackles and disrupts all at a high level. Head coach Kellen Moore explained the value in his return from injury in time for Week One.
“It’s just been a really impressive process for him,” Moore said. “He’s done a nice job, and he’s putting us in a position to have great success. I think his versatility… he did an awesome job this week.”
To open the season last year, Taylor had three sacks against Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
Bryce Young was sacked four times in his season opener against the Saints. Three of those sacks came from CB Alontae Taylor #1. We need to fix this… #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/xUvcaDIkpt
— Justin Dolloff (@JustinDolloff) September 11, 2024
Bringing that level of havoc against any team is impressive, albeit hard to replicate. But Taylor’s impact won’t be judged strictly on the sacks he accumulates or even the numbers on the stat sheet. Taylor brings something very valuable to the defensive when it comes to the intangible. He brings a relentlessness and energy that are both infectious.
“Anytme we see Alontae out there,” Moore said. “We know we’ve got a heck of a chance.”
Always keeping the energy high. We got Alontae on the mic 🔋🎤#Saints | @budlight pic.twitter.com/uLhmjYN5fx
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 31, 2025
