The New Orleans Saints are flying high entering Week 2. In their season opener, they defeated the Carolina Panthers, 47-10. It was the biggest blowout in the league by quite the margin.
There were a few notable worries regarding the Saints roster entering this season, but their biggest concern played incredible football in Week 1.
Saints' offensive line
The guys upfront went to work for New Orleans in Week 1. They allowed just one sack in the passing game and dominated in the run game. Their OL received the best pass blocking grade in the NFL for Week 1, via Pro Football Focus.
Saints runners ran for 180 yards and averaged nearly five yards per carry. In the first half, they averaged over six yards per carry. In every facet, the line was winning. New Orleans took advantage.
Entering the season, the OL was the biggest worry for Saints fans. How would Trevor Penning hold up? Will the veterans be enough on the inside. Can Taliese fuaga succeed as a rookie?
The Saints received positive answers to all of those questions in Week 1. Of course, they will see tougher defensive lines in the coming weeks, but they did exactly what they needed to against the Panthers DL.
Erik McCoy played one of the best games of his NFL career, and the two guards were consistent. Lucas Patrick left in the second half with an injury. Landon Young stepped in and performed well at guard, too.
As for their rookie tackle, Fuaga was everything the Saints hoped for - and more, possibly. He was a bull dozer in the run game, and his athleticism really showed up on film.
In Klint Kubiak's scheme, it looks like his pass protection has taken a step forward already as well. Fuaga had the highest pass block win rate of any rookie tackle (94%), according to Seth Walder.
Derek Carr's success
The dominance on the line also lended itself well to the Saints QB. No shocker there. Carr looked comfortable in his first regular season outing in Klint Kubiak's offense.
He made two tremendous TD throws, too. His bucket drop throw to Juwan Johnson is arguably the best TD throw he has made in New Orleans. His deep connection to Rashid Shaheed to open the scoring was perfectly executed, too.
Carr finished the game 19/23 for 200 passing yards and three TDs. He also ran for a first down.
Overall, it was offensive "teach tape" for New Orleans' unit. They must stay consistent in Week 2 against a much tougher Dallas Cowboys team.
