Of the most encouraging performances of the weekend, Derek Carr’s had to be near the top of the list. This is not a rebuilding job in New Orleans. Carr, on Sunday, entered a huddle loaded with accomplished vets. The defense in New Orleans has a chance to be really good, too. And all that is indicative of where the brass there has felt they’ve been the past few years—consistent quarterback play shy of being a very real contender, with the clock ticking on a core that’s been together for more than a half decade now.

Carr played one possession, finishing 6-of-8 for 70 yards and a touchdown, including one thrown to journeyman Keith Kirkwood on a line to cap a 12-play, 80-yard drive. Carr moved and threw effectively. He hit Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson and the returning Michael Thomas, and had a ball that was dropped by second-year receiver Chris Olave on the first play of the game.

He also did all that with most of the Chiefs’ defensive starters (obviously, save for their best player, Chris Jones) present and accounted for. And while he did concede it was a change postgame to trade silver and black for gold and black, Carr said, “It may look weird, but it felt right. I just feel refreshed. I feel rejuvenated. And to put that uniform on and come out and be a Saint, it really felt good.”

I texted with Saints coach Dennis Allen after the game Sunday, and suffice it to say, it felt good for him, too, to be reunited with his quarterback from Oakland. “He’s been awesome,” Allen said. “Great command and leadership. This is what I expect from the QB position.”

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