Laurinaitis made seven tackles (three solo) and played all 73 defensive snaps in the Saints' season opener against the Raiders, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis, who signed with the Saints this offseason, started at middle linebacker in Week 1, pushing last year's rookie starter Stephone Anthony to outside linebacker. Laurinaitis averaged nearly 130 tackles per year during his first four seasons in the league, and though his numbers have slipped some over the last few years, he still managed 109 tackles each of the last two season. Entering his eight season, the former Ohio State Buckeye has never missed a game in his career and should continue to be a solid source of tackles at the heart of the New Orleans defense.