The Saints have had wins this year giving up 34, 38 and now 41. Yet unbelievably, when they give up 16, their record is 0-2. The Saints season has been weird like that. And just when we were ready to write off the Saints offense for scoring one touchdown in two games and Drew Brees for throwing no touchdowns and 6 interceptions in that same span… they lit up the #1 defense in the NFL (now #4 after this game) for 48 points in their own stadium. Expect the unexpected is the moral of the story here. But it was fun to watch another epic offensive performance by the Saints, sorely needed after the recent stretch they were on. Below are the grades:
Drew Brees: A- (2.93) Back with a vengeance. The only negative was a sack/strip – that resulted in Calais Campbell touchdown – and a horrible pass late with the Saints up 41-34 that should have been intercepted near the goal line. He threw the ball back near the field of play after rolling out, looking for Fleener, and he nearly put the Cards back in the game when all the Saints needed was a field goal. Way too dangerous. Otherwise? One of his best statistical games of the season. The Saints badly needed him to snap out of this funk and so did he. He was a lights out 37 of 48 for 389 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Only the fumble was a blip on the radar.
Mark Ingram: B+ (2.69) Besides some weird behavior and intensity on the sidelines that was unnecessary – Ingram was back to playing well. Honestly I think Brees bouncing back and the line playing well had as much to do with Ingram showing up early as anything. He had 78 yards on 17 carries to go with 2 catches for 14 yards. He was livid about net getting the goal line carry late but Sean Payton favored Hightower given what the game meant to him personally. It was a little unfair to Ingram who did much more to get the team in scoring position throughout… but still… weird.
Tim Hightower: B (2.55) He had 37 yards on 11 carries and 2 touchdowns. It was clearly very meaningful for him to score twice against the team that drafted him. Both scoring runs could not have been blocked any better. He also had 3 catches for 11 yards. He didn’t move the chains like Ingram but he had his moments.
Travaris Cadet: A- (2.23) This grade might seem weird but I really felt this was his best game of the season. The stats were there, but it was more about how every time he was involved in a play it was a positive. He caught the ball well, he got to the sideline, he was tough after the catch, and he was excellent in special teams coverage. He had a 16 yard carry before the second half ended, and he had 5 catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. He made a beautiful play on his score, a 3rd and 11 play, by stretching out for the end zone before his knee hit the ground. He also had 2 tackles on special teams.
John Kuhn: B (2.79) His touches very less impactful than ever. He had two meaningless catches in the flat for 1 yard, and a short yardage carry for a 1 yard that was stuffed short of the sticks. Not a good showing there. His big contribution was blocking, though. His run blocking was good, his pass blocking was better. The time he bought Brees in play action sequences was necessary to develop a couple huge plays.
John Phillips: B- (1.95) His best game as a Saint in my opinion. Exceptional blocking throughout which lent a very big hand off the edge. He also added a 9 yard reception.
Coby Fleener: C (2.26) A measly 2 catches for 10 yards on 3 targets. As much as Brees threw he was a complete afterthought in the passing game and spent a lot of time on the sidelines. Still, he converted a big 3rd and 4 to ice the game and allow the Saints to kneel the rest of the way. So his last catch was of tremendous value.
Brandin Cooks: A+ (2.88) What else is there to say? Arizona decided to play soft coverage on him numerous times and paid dearly for it. And even when Tyrann Mathieu or Patrick Peterson were on him, he still made plays. Sometimes huge plays. He was unstoppable. 7 catches for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was, quite simply, the difference in the game.
Willie Snead, IV: B+ (2.87) He had one drop but otherwise was touch and workmanlike. Cooks was the playmaker, but Snead was the chain mover. Brees went to him with positive results in numerous tough spots. Clutch. He had 8 catches for 76 yards.
Mike Thomas: B- (2.97) Started slow and had a bad third down drop that forced the Saints to settle for a field goal. A lot of short throws, he had 7 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. His fade score was a 1 on 1 play where he showed strong hands and great athleticism.
Brandon Coleman: C- (2.47) Only one target and no catches. Played sparingly. No impact on the game.
Andrus Peat: B (2.67) A good showing. Solid protection in the passing game and he had his moments being physical. The Cardinals are a tough front and he benefited from Brees’s pocket savvy, but he played well.
Senio Kelemete: C- (2.44) Was roasted on a Calais Campbell sack and had a false start shortly before. Would leave the game with an injury – he’s been banged up a lot this season. I would say he played the weakest up front, but he still had some decent moments. After a strong start to the season I think his last three weeks have been poor.
Max Unger: C (2.77) Coming back from injury he didn’t have a great game. He gave up a lot of push and he was slow rotating over on a number of plays Campbell made. His snapping was perfect, though, and he made a noticeable impact in the run game.
Jahri Evans: A- (2.67) I thought he played the best up front of anyone on the line. He pulled a number of times, showing decent foot speed and athleticism considering his age, and sprung runs free. His block on Hightower’s second touchdown run was awesome. His pass protection was exemplary throughout.
Zach Strief: B- (2.95) I thought he played very well on the whole. The one thing that sticks out was the sack he gave up that resulted in a fumble and a touchdown. You take that play away and he deserves an A or an A- but that play was a big deal.
Tim Lelito: B+ (2.53) No major mistakes, he was excellent filling in for Kelemete, especially in pass blocking which is usually not his best area.
Landon Turner: B (2.50) The one time I noticed him in the game he threw a nice block and the Saints scored a touchdown, so kudos.
My offensive player of the game: Brandin Cooks
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