The offense put up 35 points on five touchdowns and they needed all of it as the Steelers’ total would end up being 32. This was quite possibly the unit’s best performance of the season, which is surprising when you consider how slow they started. If you look at all positions, quarterbacks, backs, receivers, tight ends, o-line… I thought it was a top to bottom fantastic performance. All position groups executed great and the end result was a terrific win on the road. The grades reflect this. Enjoy!
Drew Brees: A+ (2.83) He picked apart the Steelers and made all the plays when the Saints needed it the most. He had no turnovers and seems to be in peak form the last two weeks. It’s strange how the Brandin Cooks injury seemed to change how he’s performed. For whatever reason he’s spreading the ball around, getting everyone involved, not forcing the ball to Graham, and putting up efficient numbers. He went 19 for 27 for 257 yards, 5 touchdowns and most importantly no turnovers.
Mark Ingram: A (3.11) This wasn’t as dominant a performance on the ground as some of his 100 yard games. He wasn’t consistently getting at the second level or steadily getting 5/6 yards. This was more of a game where he’d get stuffed and then rip off a 15 yarder. Still, the offense leaned on him and he delivered. He had 23 carries for 122 yards and 2 catches for -1 yard. Give him credit for also doing a fantastic job in pass protection. He remains the highest graded player on the team.
Pierre Thomas: B- (2.75) I’m surprised he didn’t get more touches but perhaps he’s being eased back with the shoulder injury. He didn’t play enough to do damage but had a solid 21 yards on 3 carries and 2 catches for 16 yards. 5 touches isn’t enough for PT, though, and if the Saints want to win down the stretch they’ll need to involve him more in the game plan.
Travaris Cadet: C+ (2.31) His kick returning continues to be completely pedestrian. He’s just not explosive taking it out. He had just 3 returns for 75 and his best was taken back to the 25. He finished with 2 catches for 11 yards and I’ll maintain that he continues to show terrific hands. If nothing else, this guy can really catch the ball. He made an outstanding catch in traffic for a first down.
Erik Lorig: A (2.39) His primary function is being a lead blocker in the run game. The Saints rushed for 143 yards on 26 carries. He also added a 4 yard reception where he did a good job taking on a physical tackle on his way into the end zone. Enough said, solid contribution from Lorig.
Marques Colston: C+ (2.31) He finished with just 3 catches for 16 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted on a third down play where he doesn’t come up with a contested catch. I don’t know that I call that a drop, but it’s a play I’ve seen him make countless times. He also had a blatant drop on a short out. His ball skill problems continue, but give him credit for boxing out on his goal line score and giving the Saints the game winning touchdown.
Kenny Stills: A+ (2.67) Fantastic catching, great routes, field stretching ability and big plays. Stills is coming into his own as a starting NFL receiver. This was a superstar performance. Not much else you can say. He was integral in everything the team accomplished.
Joe Morgan: C (2.25) Quiet day overall for Morgan but he did get a huge penalty for the Saints when a defender held him. On that play it was 3rd and 3, Brees was sacked, and it looked like the Saints would get no points on the drive. Instead, they got a touchdown. I also noticed he blocked well.
Nick Toon: B+ (2.44) He scored his first NFL touchdown on a beast of a reception where he shakes off three tacklers before taking the last one into the end zone with him. What an effort. That play alone deserves serious credit. He finished with 2 catches for 17 yards and the score. I love the contribution the Saints are getting from he and Morgan at the moment and as much as I love Meachem I think he should remain inactive for now.
Jimmy Graham: B- (2.81) I know this seems crazy that he’s getting a B- when he had no catches and no targets. But the Steelers did a fantastic job covering him, so much so that it opened things up for everyone else. So give credit to Graham for creating opportunities for others. It must also be noted that Graham has been really underrated as a blocker this year. He’s done a good job being physical and improving in that area. Interestingly, the Saints kept Graham out of a lot of plays because they’d go max protect with Hill/Watson or they would pass showing run formations. That must have been a matchup reason, but Graham played a lot less than usual.
Ben Watson: A- (2.25) He did an excellent job blocking and had a reception for 15 yards and a touchdown running right past James Harrison. An excellent contribution all around from Watson who had his best game of the season in my opinion.
Josh Hill: B- (2.72) He also blocked well, looked good in coverage on special teams, and added 1 catch for 17 yards showing soft hands. He contributes in small ways but it’s always positive. He was flagged once for a false start.
Terron Armstead: B- (2.64) He had a holding penalty on the opening drive that would end up causing it to stall. Other than that he was often matched up with James Harrison and did a solid job.
Ben Grubbs: B- (2.58) His performance in pass protection was weaker than the bunch. The times Brees stepped up in the pocket and had disruption or felt pressured, Grubbs was responsible. He held up better as the game progressed, though, and he played well on the running plays.
Jonathan Goodwin: B (2.40) His run blocking was excellent. His power in the trenches is a real asset. Look no further than his seal block on the Ingram carry that went for 20. In pass protection he misses a blitz pickup that leads to a sack, but overall he played well.
Jahri Evans: B (2.67) There seemed to be a miscommunication between he and Goodwin on a pressure/pass rush and he allowed at least one other hit. Otherwise his play was solid and his physicality on the running plays was needed. He did an excellent job peeling off the line on the play action deep drops to stonewall the backside pressure.
Zach Strief: A (2.64) A really steady day from Strief all game long. I maintain he’s the most underrated player on the team but he just goes to work and is so reliable. Excellent performance.
My Offensive Player of the Game: Kenny Stills
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