Very up and down game for the Saints offense. They started fast, slowed down until the first drive of the second half, then went completely dormant. Despite a horrible interception and a punt with under 7 minutes left that all but assured the Chargers the victory, they were able to cash in for two scores on short fields which ultimately lead to an improbable come from behind win. If you told me the Saints would throw for 192 yards, rush for 2.4 yards per carry, and turn it over twice… I would have assumed a 30 point loss. But somehow that was enough to score 35 points and they needed every single one of them. Below are my grades:
Drew Brees: C (2.84) His stats left a lot to be desired. 23 for 36 for 207 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He was hot early and then struggled. I wasn’t sure if he was hurt or not but the ball wasn’t coming out with much zip and he settled for throws almost exclusively underneath. His second interception was a terrible throw that seemed to kill the game. He managed the end of the game well but the Saints really insisted on running the ball which again made me question Brees’s health status. Brees did what he had to do at the end to win, including clutch short throws that moved the chains, but this clearly wasn’t hit best game. He probably deserves a worse grade given his 74.7 rating, but his pregame speech was awesome and wins have been hard to come by so I give him a boost. The Saints won’t win much if he plays like this, though.
Mark Ingram: B (2.92) A strange game for Ingram, too. He started fast and then completely fizzled on the ground. The Saints were relentless trying to run but it never really took. Ingram finished with 56 yards on 18 carries and 1 touchdown. His tackling breaking on the interior isn’t really happening. Ingram did lead the Saints in receiving, though, with 6 catches for 49 yards. He had a huge broken tackle there for a first down, muscled a tackler for a first down inside the 5 showing great toughness, and had a fantastic catch on a 20 yard wheel route in tight coverage. Over 100 yards of total offense and a score when the offense was this shaky was a pretty good day overall.
Tim Hightower: C (2.25) Like Ingram he ran hard but the stats don’t really show it. Just 4 carries for 11 yards.
Daniel Lasco: C+ (2.67) He finally saw some carries going for 12 yards on 4 carries, including a nice first down. He also had a 7 yard reception. Overall it was modest but pretty tough.
John Kuhn: A (3.25) Sean Payton said it best. If you need 1 yard, Kuhn will probably get you 1 and a half. Kuhn is tough, smart and a total gamer. Of all the offseason additions, he might be the best. With all the injuries he played a lot of H-back/blocking tight end in protection and helped buy Brees time. He had 3 carries for 5 yards and 2 touchdowns. The non touchdown run converted a 3rd and short. His second touchdown ended up being the game winner. He also had 2 catches for 7 yards and another touchdown. His non touchdown catch was a huge first down conversion before his final score. Every time he touched the ball it was a huge play for the Saints that had a major impact on the game. I’d give him an A+, but he negated a nice kick return with a holding call.
Brandin Cooks: C (2.67) 3 catches for 31 yards on 6 targets. Not a very impressive performance. Jason Verrett did a pretty good job on him and Brees failed to really get him going. Cooks needs to be more involved in the offense than this. He did have a 3rd and long conversion play, though.
Willie Snead: C+ (3.00) He had one big 23 yard reception but that was it. Due to the foot injury that kept him out last game he didn’t see as many snaps.
Michael Thomas: B- (3.00) A physical 4 catches for 44 yards and a crucial touchdown on 4th down. He played very tough football. He had one bad drop and was missed badly by Brees on a couple of throws. He’s growing as a player, though, and you can see how good he is. I’m a little concerned about the huge hits he seems to take because of all the slants coming back over the middle, but he’s been tough so far.
Brandon Coleman: C+ (2.33) Just 2 catches for 17 yards but they were useful plays for 1st downs. After being loathed by the fan base early this season he’s come back and stepped up his game.
Tommylee Lewis: C+ (2.56) Took a pitch for 3 yards inside the 10 and had a huge first down catch to move the chains late for a 10 yard reception, showing excellent hands. He had 12 yards on two punt returns.
Coby Fleener: C (1.84) He had another drop but did convert two huge 3rd downs with catches underneath. He showed a little big after the catch but didn’t absorb contact too well. Pretty understated with 3 catches for 19 yards.
Chris Manhertz: C- (2.00) He’s a non factor in the passing game. At one point there was a roll out play that looked designed for him but he couldn’t get separation. He came in as an extra blocker a handful of times an didn’t impress. We’ll see if his role grows, but Josh Hill is probably due for a return soon after the bye.
Andrus Peat: B (2.75) Overall it was a pretty good showing from Peat. His run blocking was good and he held up pretty well in pass protection. A positive sign that he’s growing and getting more comfortable. The Saints have been banged up on the offensive line. In year’s past losing Armstead would be a death sentence but he’s holding it down for the most part. Encouraging.
Tim Lelito: B- (2.58) His pass protection wasn’t always great but his run blocking was solid. Any successful run on the left side included a nice block from Lelito. He’s had a role each week but this was the first time he played as a full time starter and he filled in well.
Max Unger: C+ (3.33) Not as dominant as other games so far this season. Brandon Mebane is tough to block and he blew past Unger at one point to block up an Ingram carry for a big loss.
Jahri Evans: C (2.75) He did an ok job overall but had two penalties. A false start and a hold of Mebane which negated a big run by Ingram. Didn’t get much going on the ground on the right side.
Zach Strief: C- (2.67) He didn’t do a great job in run support and gave up a decent amount of pressure in pass protection. His weakest game of the season, I thought. Gave up a sack to Jerry Attaochu.
Landon Turner: C (2.00) A neutral impact as an extra blocker. Didn’t impact the game much.
My Offensive Player of the Game: John Kuhn
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