The defense gave up 10 points at half, really playing pretty exceptional football, and 17 after 3 quarters. But like the game against the Raiders, a 4th quarter implosion undid a lot of the promising things we saw. Once Sterling Moore went out with an injury, a shaky defense turned into a tire fire and Carolina repeatedly went after special teamer Brian Dixon in coverage. Too bad De’Vante Harris was a healthy inactive scratch, because the Saints really needed him in the game once Moore went down. The Saints were fortunate to win this game given how bad things were getting at the end of this one. That said, the Panthers ran for 103 yards at 3.8 yards per carry, and as good as they are on the ground that’s a pretty solid day in stopping the run. Below are the grades.
Cameron Jordan: B- (2.60) Tough game for Jordan. He had a heavy amount of pressure on Cam Newton but could never come up with a sack. His four hits on Newton included one should have been a sack had the Panthers QB not chucked the ball downfield as he was getting hit. He had 4 tackles including one for a loss.
Nick Fairley: B (3.07) Yet another game with a sack. A half sack, to be exact. His pass rushing has been a major bonus to this defense. He wasn’t as strong against the run but he finished with 3 tackles. Another noteworthy showing.
Tyeler Davison: C+ (2.67) When he’s in there’s a clear impact made against the run. He had 2 tackles. Though the Saints interior play near the goal line wasn’t as sharp.
Kasim Edebali: B (1.87) The big question for me is who starts once Kruger is healthy. I thought Edebali did well, both rushing the passer and in run support. Solid effort throughout. He had 3 tackles and a sack. I think he struggles to make an impact as a sub but he has good fitness which means he plays better as the game wears on if he’s getting a lot of snaps.
Darryl Tapp: B- (2.09) A pretty good contribution as a sub pass rushing. He did offer a cut back lane for Jonathan Stewart on a short touchdown run by over-pursuing though. He had 1 tackle and a half sack.
John Jenkins: C (2.27) Played a bit more with mixed results. Had his moments against the run, then would go a bit more quiet. The offside penalty was not ideal. He had 2 tackles.
David Onyemata: B (2.27) Came in primarily on passing downs and finished with a hit and 3 tackles. He was active and around the football. He did well as a sub. He left the game with an injury at one point, hopefully he’s ok.
Craig Robertson: B (2.73) Led the team with 12 tackles. He looked a little more comfortable as a middle linebacker, though I’d love to see him back at weakside. His tackles were primarily helping his teammates finish off plays, or bring down check down throws at the second level. Not a ton of flash plays around the line of scrimmage. He did make a bad read on Stewart’s one big run. I gave his grade a little boost since he ends the game with a cheap fumble recovery.
Nate Stupar: C (2.40) I thought he was good against the Chargers – I was less impressed this week. Some missed tackles, some issues in coverage. Finished with 6 tackles, and like two weeks ago he was one of the few that got better as the game progressed. The one good play from him was a huge hit on Newton on a blitz.
Michael Mauti: C (2.42) Played a bit, didn’t offer much. 1 tackle.
Stephone Anthony: D (1.55) He played only in goal line sets and his impact was negative overall. He wasn’t able to prevent touchdowns despite being in the mix on a couple short yardage runs and he showed poor awareness on a touchdown pass to Dickson by not peeling off and getting deeper. He looks lost out there.
Ken Crawley: B- (2.13) He allowed some completions in front of him and he got beat on a fourth down throw but in general, even when beaten, he was right there in contested coverage. That’s really all you can ask for. On throws downfield he got the better of Kelvin Benjamin with tight coverage and physical engagement. He continues to improve each week and looks like a real starter. I’m excited about his development. He had 5 tackles and 2 defended passes. Did an ok job on Greg Olsen at times too. His GPA is low because he got an F after week 1 – but he’s been C+ or better in grades ever since.
Sterling Moore: B- (2.42) His interception was absolutely sick and it took points off the board. He had 3 tackles and did a good job overall in coverage. His pass interference call on the wide receiver pass by Ginn was blatant and clearly on purpose to save a touchdown – except it led to a touchdown shortly after. Left the game with an injury which severely impacted the defense.
B. W. Webb: B (2.89) He’s been a great pickup for the Saints. I was frustrated to see him make the Saints over Cortland Finnegan (who looked good in preseason) but no complaints now. He had 2 tackles and 4 defended passes. He was beaten a couple times, though, including once for a touchdown. It looked like he was expecting safety help that Bell didn’t give him quickly enough.
Brian Dixon: D- (1.50) A disaster in coverage. Good special teamer, not a good corner apparently. The Panthers targeted mercilessly and there was nothing he could do. He gave too much cushion, had a horrible interference with the game on the line on a deep ball, and couldn’t slow down the Panthers at all. He had 1 tackle.
Vonn Bell: C (2.33) I’m not sure why he’s starting over Byrd, honestly. The Saints are suffering through some growing pains with him. The touchdown pass that Webb gave up to Funchess appeared to be on him. He had 7 tackles, but missed a couple, and he wasn’t quick enough to read balls down the field. A mixed bag but he’s not showing ball hawk skills yet on the back end.
Kenny Vaccaro: C (2.58) He had a hard time in coverage against Olsen. I didn’t think this was his best showing. He had 8 tackles, though like Robertson a lot of it was clean up hits helping his teammates at the second level. He did put three hits on Cam Newton blitzing. Had a 4th down interference call that I don’t agree with.
Jairus Byrd: C+ (1.93) He played a lot and did a reasonable job in coverage. He had 3 tackles and a defended pass.
Wil Lutz: B+ (2.73) He was a solid and perfect 5-5 on extra points, which is more than the Panthers kicker can say. Extra points aren’t gimmes from 33 so that’s nice to see from a rookie kicker. He also missed from 53 badly (wide and short) but made kicks from 33 and 52. The 52 yarder was a game winner with 11 seconds left. What a clutch kick from the youngster. As big as the touchback afterwards, preventing a Ted Ginn, Jr. return.
Thomas Morstead: A- (3.20) He blasted 4 punts for 211 yards, keeping his season gross average above 50. Pretty incredible, including one that went 61. His net was also a very good 44.75, but yielded some decent return opportunities for Ginn.
Tim Hightower: C- (2.13) He had a weak 16 yard kick return and didn’t make an impact on the game. Not sure why he seems to be phased out of the offense.
Jake Lampman: A (4.00) What a fantastic performance by Lampman as a gunner. 3 tackles in coverage. They should’ve called him up sooner. Can’t wait to see how he does next week.
Roman Harper: B- (1.60) Had a good tackle near the sideline to prevent a big return from Ginn.
* (note – Tommylee Lewis and Daniel Lasco’s grades included special teams but were given with the offense grades)
My defensive player of the game: Nick Fairley
My special teams player of the game: Jake Lampman
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