The New Orleans Saints will be getting their season underway on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Tennessee Titans. There will be some optimism heading into the season as Derek Carr will be getting his first regular-season start with the Saints against the AFC South foe. New Orleans is hoping that this can be the start to getting back on top of the NFC South division and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season. The Saints’ defense will be challenged as they face off against All-Pro running back Derrick Henry on Sunday.

Saints New Faces Get Their First Test on Sunday

Derek Carr is set to debut with the Saints against Ryan Tannehill and the Titans

Saints QB Derek Carr (4) – Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

The Saints were able to start off the 2022 season with a road victory against the Atlanta Falcons last year, and they will be hoping to get off to a faster start. Though the Saints won that game, New Orleans had to crawl their way back in the second half to be able to come out of Atlanta with a victory. It has shown that when the Saints get off to a fast start to the regular season, more times than not it results in a playoff berth.

To get off to that fast start in the regular season, the new additions that were added in the offseason will have to make a difference on the field. It all starts at the quarterback position with Carr. After the Drew Brees era, the Saints have gone through a quarterback carousel and have yet to find an identity at quarterback. Dennis Allen and company are hoping that Carr can be the answer that brings New Orleans back into the playoff discussion.

Another notable addition to the Saints’ offense was adding running back Jamaal Williams. With Alvin Kamara being suspended for the first three games of the regular season, Williams will be the RB1 for the home opener against the Titans. On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints are hoping that Khalen Saunders, Bryan Bresee, and Nathan Shepherd can be the difference makers in the interior.

Know Your Foe: Tennessee Titans

Treylon Burks walks out of the tunnel

Titans WR Treylon Burks (16) – George Walker IV/USA Today Network

Like the Saints, the Titans are coming off a disappointing 7-10 finish during the 2022 season, and they are looking to turn the page heading into this season. This will be the second time in the Saints’ history that they will open up against Tennessee at home. The Titans were able to claim a 23-21 victory in the last meeting between the two teams back in 2021.

The Tennessee Titans’ defense will be a test for this Saints offense, as it all starts on the defensive line. Jeffrey Simmons is the leader of the defensive line and is supported by defensive end Deico Autry. The Titans have three cornerbacks who will be in the mix to slide into a starting role, including Kristian Fulton, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and Roger McCreary. At the safety position, the Titans have one of the best in the league with Kevin Byard.

On the offense, the Titans will continue to rely heavily on Henry. Tennessee did add running back Tyjae Spears through the air and quarterback Will Levis. Ryan Tannehill is expected to be the signal caller for the Titans against the Saints. Tennessee was also able to add another weapon for Tannehill in getting De’Andre Hopkins. Along with Hopkins, wide receiver Treylon Burks and tight end Chig Okonkwo will be the difference makers on offense.

Predictions for Titans @ Saints

Both of these teams had a busy offseason trying to revamp their roster to get back into the playoff chase in 2023. Offenses for both teams have playmakers on both sides that will test the opposing defenses. The key for the Saints will be to contain Henry in the running game. On the other side, Carr will have a plethora of weapons to target, with wide receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas. Even with two newly revamped offenses, this game still feels to be overtaken by the defenses.

Prediction: Saints 20, Titans 17