It was always a little hard to believe that Derek Carr was the problem with the Las Vegas Raiders last season.

Carr had a very good campaign in 2021. Even when the Raiders made him the scapegoat for a losing 2022 season and ended up cutting him, the New Orleans Saints were happy to sign Carr to a four-year, $150 million deal.

And while Sunday was just one drive in a preseason game, Carr didn’t seem like a burden.

Carr was excellent in his first preseason photo with the Saints. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown on New Orleans’ first drive. Saints coach Dennis Allen had seen enough, as he raised Carr in place of James Winston next. Winston immediately threw a touchdown to give the Saints a 14-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.

It wasn’t just Karr’s stats. He seemed comfortable in the entire drive. He was quiet pocketed and hit tight end Joanne Johnson for a pair of catches. He found a Michael Thomas sliding home run for 16 yards. Alvin Kamara hooked up with two catches and a nice 12 yards as well. On the touchdown, Carr waited patiently for Keith Kirkwood to open up in the back of the end zone, and hit him for a score. Carr looked like he was the Saints’ quarterback for many years.

The Saints put up a good defense as well, holding off attacking Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at midfield in the first round of the game. The Chiefs went for it on fourth and one, tried a hard direct snap to tight end Blake Bell and Bell was stuffed for no gain on the line.

The Saints felt they had to upgrade at quarterback after missing the playoffs in the NFC South badly last season. Carr was available after the Raiders decided to move on after nine seasons. Maybe Carr and the Saints will be a great match.