They ranked 28th against the pass, giving up more yards through the air than Hurts threw for, and following that up with a rushing defense that didn't fare much better, ranking 25th in yards allowed despite ranking 13th in attempts while allowing opposing teams to dictate the gameplan, not the other way around.

In 65 seconds, they went from a team with a grand new plan to a team that was punched in the gut by a 70-yard Atlanta Falcons’ drive during which they were practically escorted into the end zone by an Eagles’ defense with multiple issues.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr hopes to experience the Superdome in a new way on Sunday. The 50-year-old venue, which will host its eighth Super Bowl this February, has in recent years lacked the mix of anticipatory buzz and deafening crescendos that defined big games during the glory days of former coach Sean Payton and record-setting quarterback Drew Brees.