Saints prepare for Week 1 matchup against Lions at Ford Field

By Anna Whitfield — 10 September 2026 — 3 min read

The New Orleans Saints are preparing for their Week 1 inter-conference game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The matchup presents several challenges for the Saints, particularly on defense, as they face a high-scoring Lions team.

Saints offensive coordinator Kellen Moore acknowledged the talent of the Lions, noting their consistent high-level play. He described Ford Field as a challenging environment that Detroit has cultivated. Veteran pass rusher Carl Granderson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strength of the Lions‘ offense, which includes a highly paid running back, a strong quarterback, and a skilled receiver. Granderson views the game as a significant test for the Saints‘ defense.

Defensive Preparations and New Offensive Schemes

Granderson also pointed out that the Saints will need to conduct additional film study this week due to the Lions debuting a new offensive coordinator and play caller, Drew Petzing. He explained that while the Lions are likely to maintain some of their successful established strategies, new elements from Petzing‘s previous team in Arizona are expected to be incorporated. Granderson, who has experienced similar transitions in his career, noted the balance between retaining successful existing plays and integrating new ones.

Both teams face the inherent unknowns of a Week 1 game. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has stated that teams often do not fully understand their capabilities until around Week 5. Moore shared a similar perspective, emphasizing the importance of playing sound, clean, and fundamental football, acknowledging that both teams will likely look different after the offseason.

To prepare for potentially hostile road environments, the Saints participated in three joint practices this season against playoff-caliber teams: Jacksonville, Dallas, and the Los Angeles Rams. Two of these practices were held on the road. Saints center Erik McCoy believes these road joint practices, which exposed them to various defensive schemes, will be beneficial in preparing for the atmosphere at Ford Field.

Granderson, who has spent his entire seven-year career with New Orleans since 2019, when Campbell was an assistant coach there, recognizes the growth of the Lions into a strong team consistently in playoff discussions. He anticipates a good test against Campbell‘s team.

Key Players and Injury Updates

Moore and his defensive coaching staff hold significant respect for Lions All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. They recognize his versatility, route detail, ability to catch contested passes, and strong run blocking, considering him one of the premier receivers in the league. Moore suggested that many receivers could learn from St. Brown‘s approach to the game.

Regarding injuries for the Saints, edge rusher Cameron Jordan will not play in Sunday’s game due to a hamstring injury. Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks and 15.0 tackles for loss last year. Veteran running back Alvin Kamara returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday after missing the previous three weeks due to a knee injury. His status will be monitored, as he could potentially form a backfield duo with Travis Etienne Jr.

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough identified Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson as a standout on Detroit‘s defense. He also mentioned linebackers Jack Campbell, Devin White, and Derrick Barnes, emphasizing the need for the Saints‘ offense to match their physicality. Shough believes the Lions represent one of the top rosters the Saints will face this year.

The Saints have seen significant turnover since Campbell‘s time as assistant head coach and tight ends coach, with many of the “old guard” no longer with the team, except for Cameron Jordan. This has allowed a new iteration of the franchise to emerge, which began to find ways to win towards the end of 2025, securing four victories in their final five games. With Tyler Shough as the starting quarterback, the team aims to build on their 2025 accomplishments, featuring skill players like wide receiver Chris Olave, tight end Juwan Johnson, and tackles Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga.

The Saints will face the Lions this Sunday at Ford Field.

Source: detroitlions.com