Week 1 for the New Orleans Saints was a solid start to the season, even though it ended in a loss. The beginning of the game was dreadful, well, on the offensive side of the ball. Kellen Moore’s slow start continued, and it was clear the offense was out of sync. What made it worse was Tyler Shough’s horrible first-half performance. The start of the third quarter wasn't much better, but this team became an offensive juggernaut after that point, and nearly completely led an incredible comeback. The Saints' defense held its own against a tough Lions offense for nearly the entire game, but tired legs caught up in the end. 

There are still major issues that the team must avoid doing again, and some positives from Week 1 that must happen again if this team wants to beat the Ravens. 

At this point in Kellen Moore’s coaching career with the Saints, slow starts are the expectation every game. For some reason, even when Moore prioritizes starting fast, this team just can’t. Against the Lions, it was even more egregious, and that slow start lasted all the way into the third quarter. It’s clear that whenever Moore and the offense face a look they didn't expect from the opposing defense, they shut down and struggle to get anything going. On a positive note, Moore adjusts well, but it happens too late.

With the Ravens HC, Jesse Minter, being an impressive defensive mind, Moore needs to expect everything, because this team may not be able to make another great comeback. 

Something the Saints did really well against the Lions was avoiding big plays. There was a pass that ended up being dropped, but besides that throw, the Saints did well stopping the Lions' electric offense. Yes, Jahmyr Gibbs still had a monster game, but accepting that is inevitable rather than going all in on stopping it and giving up big plays is probably a better idea. The same will likely be true for the Saints’ matchup against the Ravens, who have Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. Those two can break for a massive run, so not letting that happen is important, but Jackson can also throw deep with ease. 

Last, but certainly not least, the Saints need to get consistency from the run game. Putting all the pressure on Shough to start fast and keep it going is fine because he can do that, but the run game will still take that pressure away and make the young QB's life much easier. From what we saw in game 1, I honestly doubt the Saints will be able to get that done, but it will be the most important thing for this offense to get done.