Saints News Network

2 Cardinals Players Who Could Ruin Kellen Moore's Saints Debut

The Cardinals could ruin Kellen Moore's debut with the Saints...
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints have been through a lot of changes over the course of the last few months. With Derek Carr entering retirement during the offseason, the Saints were left scrambling for a new quarterback. After weeks of a heated quarterback competition, first-year head coach Kellen Moore opted to select Spencer Rattler as the team's starting signal caller.

The Saints and Rattler are set to match up with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. Moore's debut as a head coach could be a huge win for the Saints, but there's also a chance a few players on the Cardinals wreck those plans.

Which Cardinals stars could destroy Moore's ideal Saints debut?

EDGE Josh Sweat

With a young quarterback under center, the Saints need to do their best to keep him upright. Rattler is a questionable option at quarterback when he's protected in the pocket. If he's facing heavy pressure all game, the Saints will almost certainly collapse as an offense.

Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat could be the difference-maker on defense. He's put together a few solid seasons in a row with the Philadelphia Eagles before bolting for the Cardinals.

Sweat is a real threat to reach double-digit sacks this season after recording just under 10 sacks the last few years. He's going to look to get off to a fast start to his season by destroying the Saints' game plan and sacking Rattler a few times.

WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The most talked about player leading up to the Cardinals' season has been star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison came into the league with huge expectations, so it felt like a letdown when he didn't finish at the top of the league during his rookie campaign. To be fair, he was a very productive rookie.

But he's looking to take a massive step forward in his second year in Arizona. The Cardinals' offense is going to run through the talented wide receiver. If he can get going, the Saints won't have much of a chance to stop the Cardinals' offense. It's likely going to be up to young cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to stop the star wide receiver.

More NFL: 3 Players To Watch In Saints' Week 1 Matchup With Cardinals


Published
Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

Share on XFollow zpretzel