This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/saints as Kellen Moore Facing Backlash After Disappointing Week 1 Loss. The New Orleans Saints lost a disappointing game to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, but as funny as it may sound, the loss was encouraging in some aspects.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore previewed this Sunday’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Star tight end George Kittle is out with a hamstring injury, and quarterback Brock Purdy is considered a long shot to play with a toe injury.

In three of the four matchups, Moore’s unit hung 34, 51 and 40 points on Gannon’s defense — resulting in victories for the Cowboys.

This edition of the Ultimate New Orleans Sports Show breaks down Saints Week 2 takeaways, Kellen Moore lessons, and LSU Week 3.

Moore, who took a head coaching job with the Saints after winning a Super Bowl in Philly last season, wasted no time having his new offense line up in Tush Push formation. He rolled it out in the second quarter on third-and-1, just the team's second yard-or-less situation of the season.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks speaks with the media from the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on Monday, September 8, 2025 the day after the Saints' Week 1 game against the Arizona C

When the Saints signed Mellott to the practice squad this week, it was easy to wonder if New Orleans envisioned the team using the 23-year-old in a Hill-esque gadget role. After all, Mellott, like Hill, was a former college quarterback who was explosive in the run game.