What a fully comprehensive masterpiece by the offense! We saw balance, big plays, rhythm and solid play top to bottom. The Saints were a better kicker away from a 44 point performance. It was a complete clinic. Give credit to the offensive line for playing fantastic, Tim Hightower for having the game of his life after being out of football, and Brees for playing on one foot. Below are the grades:
Drew Brees: A+ (3.05)
He probably just locked up Saints Nation’s Saints MVP of the year award with this performance. Despite all the talk about the torn plantar fascia in his foot he came out and delivered a performance for the ages. Playing on one foot he dropped a 25 for 36 performance, 412 yards for 3 touchdowns and no turnovers. He missed a handful of throws but that’s to be expected given his ailment. The Jaguars could do little to stop him, though, and he was on point all game. The offense was constantly a threat.
Tim Hightower: A (2.93)
What a fantastic performance by the veteran. His story just keeps getting better and better. Hard to believe he was out of football for so long. He seems reborn. Finished with 3 catches for 47 yards and 122 yards on 27 carries, with 2 touchdowns. He did rack up yards late on a defense that largely seemed to mail it in, but give him tons of credit none the less. I feel bad for Ingram, this does seem like the type of game where he would’ve racked up 200 yards and padded his season stats. Oh well, that’s to the benefit of Hightower who is pacing the Saints rushing attack all by himself. So impressive.
Travaris Cadet: B (3.33)
He comes off waivers from the 49ers and immediately plays, and does it well. We’ve always known Cadet as a receiving back but this might honestly be his best game of his career as a Saint. Obviously the Jags weren’t prepared for him. He filled Spiller’s role much better than Spiller did. He finished with 1 carry for 6 yards and 3 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. He wasn’t great on kickoff returns, though, running back a kickoff 19 yards to the 11 and a punt for 1 yard.
Austin Johnson: B- (2.29)
Played sparingly and didn’t get too many blocking attempts but did finish with 2 catches for a big 19 yards – which both converted important 3rd down plays on scoring drives. Had another target in the red zone where he was well covered and Brees threw the ball away. There was a couple short yardage plays where I would have liked to see him run the ball.
Brandin Cooks: A (2.96)
With Hightower really being the only option in the running game, the Saints tried to get Cooks involved with jet sweeps and bubble screens to give the run game some alternative. That didn’t really work too well, but anytime they threw downfield to Cooks it was successful. One of his biggest catches was a gutsy 4th down conversion on the opening drive. He doesn’t make that play and who knows how that changes the game? He roasted the Jags secondary for a 71 yard TD and he made the toughest catch of his season at the 5 in traffic. Give him credit for battling on a throw that could have been intercepted if he didn’t go up and fight for it, too. Finished with 5 catches for 123 yards and 1 touchdown, and 4 carries for 10 yards. 9 touches is what he should be seeing, but clearly he’s best as a receiver downfield. I really hope Brees is back next season because they’re just reaching peak form of their chemistry now.
Willie Snead: B (2.91)
The Jags did a good job covering him and taking him out of the game early, but he made some good plays late including a fantastic grab downfield in traffic. He finished with 4 catches for 75 yards and 1,000 yards is within sight.
Brandon Coleman: B (2.13)
With Colston out he saw a lot more playing time and he was very effective. Used his size well to box out defenders and had excellent hands. Brees is starting to trust him more, too. I’m really starting to like this Cooks/Snead/Coleman trio and if they can get a dynamic fourth guy in the mix this has the makings of a really good corp. He had 4 catches for 45 yards and some really critical first downs.
Benjamin Watson: C- (2.69)
Couldn’t bring in a high throw and was extremely quiet. The Jags did a good job defending him and the Saints used Hill and Hooman more in the jumbo sets for blocking. He had just 1 catches for 5 yards.
Josh Hill: C+ (2.07)
His chemistry with Brees is just not there, particularly downfield. On a “free” play after Brees got an offsides penalty, Hill went one way and Brees threw the other. Later, Brees tried to go back shoulder in the end zone and Hill wasn’t on the same page. It’s too bad he hasn’t taken that next step in the passing game this year. He had 2 catches for 12 yards but he was also pretty solid as a blocker helping the run game.
Michael Hoomanawanui: B- (2.09)
A tough game to grade. He had 2 holding calls and some bad blocks. He also had some fantastic blocks. Very up and down. He was the primary lead blocker for Hightower. In the end I gave his grade a boost for the nice 17 yard touchdown reception on a back shoulder throw in tight coverage.
Terron Armstead: B- (2.90)
Clearly hobbled, it’s impressive how well he held up in pass blocking considering. He was largely left on an island and held up. Anytime he pulled or peeled out in front, though, he looked very gimpy. Give him a lot of credit for fighting through a clear injury. If Strief is healthy next week I’d consider giving him the last game off. He clearly wasn’t his usual self, but played well considering.
Tim Lelito: B+ (2.36)
He’s playing pretty well lately. I wonder if he’s turned a corner and might have a future after all? There’s no question he’s been inconsistent this season but he seems to be playing his best football as of late. Benefited from Brees’s quick release on a few throws. Most impressive was Hightower’s second touchdown, where the runner appeared to be stopped at the 1 but he grabbed him and threw him into the end zone.
Max Unger: A (2.91)
Monster performance both in pass protection and in run support. This is the guy the Saints envisioned anchoring their o-line when they unloaded Jimmy Graham. And with his injury history being a concern, pretty encouraging to see him finish the season this way without missing a start all year.
Jahri Evans: B (2.63)
Played really well until late. Seemed to fade as the game wore on but he was very strong early. Very good on the ground, especially getting to the second level. His pass protection was largely solid.
Andrus Peat: A- (2.56)
Clearly this is the position he should be playing and I’m looking forward to seeing him do it next season. A very impressive and physical performance. Most encouraging was his lateral movement and feet in pass protection. On top of that, he adds a mauling physicality that’s fun to watch. I’m sold, he’ll be a good player for the Saints.
Senio Kelemete: B (2.00)
He made sure on every play that the referee acknowledged he was reporting eligible. I was amused. Played extensively as the jumbo tight end and gave the running game a nice boost. Also set up the passing game with the looks they gave.
Mike McGlynn: C+ (2.50)
Came in as the fullback on Hightower’s first touchdown run. Yes, really. He threw a lead block and Hightower scored.
My Offensive Player of the Game: Drew Brees
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