Just when we’re ready to write this defense off they turn in a pretty good second half where they only give up 6 points. They gave the team a chance to win but the offensive miscues were too frequent and the lack of a pass rush hurt. Zero sacks and zero turnovers isn’t going to add up to a very good defensive performance. The lapses on both touchdowns given up were egregious. It wasn’t completely bad – but once again this defense is incapable of putting four quarters together. They “only” gave up 27 this time, and “only” 326 yards, but they certainly had a big hand in the loss once again. Below are the grades.
Cam Jordan: C (2.50) He flashed late by blowing up a play that resulted in a loss Vaccaro cleaned up, and another stuff on a run later for a loss. Where was that earlier, though? The Chiefs ran a lot of chips and double teams his way – they were clearly aware he was the only edge threat rushing the passer. He just couldn’t get anything going. He showed some energy late but it was a disappointing performance from the Saints Pro Bowler.
Darryl Tapp: B (2.27) He started the game and played a lot on running downs. Didn’t do as well with the play coming at him where he was swallowed at time trying to hold his block, but he was excellent in backside pursuit showing good speed and strength. He came out in obvious pass rushing situations. He had 4 tackles, a pretty good showing. After starting the season slow he’s starting to look like a decent role player.
Nick Fairley: D+ (2.78) With what he’s had going on this week I think we can all agree this goes beyond football. In his emotional state, and with the lack of practice this week, I do question the decision to play him. That said, the Saints obviously need him. He showed some pressure in the pocket on passing downs but was less effective against the run. He put a couple nice hits on Alex Smith, just short of getting sacks. The big takeaway, of course, was the penalty. I graded him harshly for it and unfortunately there’s just no polite way to say that was a major mistake that pretty much killed any chance of winning the game. It doesn’t take away from his solid season so far, but it was disappointing to see.
Tyeler Davison: C (2.53) He didn’t make the impact against the run in the first half that the Saints need him to make. He had two tackles and was physical at times, but he has to be able to plug lanes and help the Saints limit exposure to these runs. It got better in the second half.
John Jenkins: C+ (2.28) His effort and pursuit on the Spencer Ware touchdown was weak. He had 2 tackles and like Davison he showed flashes at times, but way too inconsistently. I will give him credit for being part of the interior late that stuffed the Chiefs running attack.
David Onyemata: C (2.22) Was very fortunate not to get a roughing the passer penalty after he creamed Alex Smith late outside of the pocket. He had 1 tackle and an overall quiet game.
Kasim Edebali: C- (1.84) I don’t understand why he played so little after a decent start last week. His run defense wasn’t good in this game but he played so little it’s hard to judge him too harshly. Would’ve liked to see more pass rush attempts.
Paul Kruger: C+ (1.93) He played little early and more as the game went on. I actually thought he looked ok. Got a little pressure despite Smith’s quick release and seemed stout against the run. Just 1 tackle, but hopefully he can get back to healthy and playing well soon.
Craig Robertson: C (2.61) I don’t think MLB is a good fit for him. He’s capable of playing it but I thought he was much better playing without the added responsibilities. Bad run support angles, too many arm tackles, slow to recognize at times. This wasn’t the Robertson I’ve seen earlier this season. He had 6 tackles.
Nate Stupar: C+ (2.39) He led the team in tackles with 8 and again seems to get better as the game wears on. He also had a nice breakup on a pass. He was beaten by Travis Kelce a couple times, though, and his lack of power hurt him on a number of Ware’s first half runs. Too up and down, not enough consistency. Wish we could get Ellerbe in there.
Michael Mauti: C- (2.27) Saw limited snaps, did absolutely nothing.
Ken Crawley: C+ (2.17) The thing I like about Crawley is that even when he gets beat he’s usually right there. He gave up a couple passes underneath but the one that really hurt was the 38 yard touchdown to Tyreek Hill where the receiver just makes an incredible play. Not much you can do. He came up on one screen and blew it up with a nice hit/tackle for a loss. He had 2 tackles.
B. W. Webb: C- (2.59) Allowed way too much in front of him to happen. The 3rd and 17 play where he gives the marker, the sideline and too much cushion is ridiculous. He had 2 tackles.
De’Vante Harris: B- (1.53) He had 1 tackle and did a nice job in coverage in the slot. I didn’t see Smith really attack him or go his way. Solid coverage. He also downed a punt inside the 5.
Vonn Bell: C+ (2.33) A personal foul penalty which was really dumb, but also a really soft call. He had 4 tackles. His coverage was hit or miss and his run support was spotty. His best play was a 3rd and 1 sweep where he wields through blockers and shows speed to the sideline to spot the play short.
Kenny Vaccaro: B (2.67) One of the few that seems to play with passion and anger. He tackles physically and shows relentless pursuit. Even when he gives up a completion, he makes the guy pay. He had 5 tackles and 1 for a loss.
Jairus Byrd: C (1.94) He’s been playing closer to the line of scrimmage with more liberty as a roamer, it seems, but he’s still not making plays. Getting turned around as the last line of defense while displaying a poor arm tackle happened, yet again. He had 4 tackles. Give him credit as a punt “returner”, though, he has sure hands and sells the fair catch well when he’s leaving the ball to go for a touchback.
Roman Harper: C+ (1.72) Had a decent tackle in run support late but also missed one on special teams.
Wil Lutz: C- (2.56) Only attempted 3 extra points and made all of them, though one was blocked and barely died over the goal post. Second time this season that’s happened (3rd block if you count the Giants’ TD). Three blocked kicks in 6 games is really bad. Unbelievable that two of the three blocks still were good. He also had a TERRIBLE kick off that Sean Payton said was a mistake that led to great field position and ultimately a field goal after the defense made a stop on a short field.
Thomas Morstead: A+ (3.39) Deserving highest graded player on the team after this game. He had four punts for an average of 48.3 yards, all inside the 20. That was both his gross AND net, because the Chiefs had zero return yards. 48.3 net yards is enormous. Tyreek Hill is an exceptional returner that’s hurt a lot of teams this year and Morstead completely took him out of the game and neutralized him entirely. Amazing how good he is every year.
Tommylee Lewis: C- (2.47) He had a nice 26 yard kickoff return and 2 punt returns for 10 yards. That’s all nice and dandy, but he dropped a punt return inside the 10 which almost led to disaster before he recovered it.
Brian Dixon: B+ (2.11) Solid day in coverage. He forced a couple fair catches with good coverage and made a fantastic tackle right as Hill fielded a punt for no gain.
Jake Lampman: C (3.00) Sad to see him have what looked like a horrible injury on a touchback kickoff and no action on the field. He made no impact on special teams before leaving and it looks like his season might sadly be done.
Chris McCain: C+ (2.33) On the return that went almost to the 40 due to Lutz’s bad kick, he prevented it from being worse by making a tackle.
My defensive player of the game: Kenny Vaccaro
My special teams player of the game: Thomas Morstead
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