The defense did a decent job against the run (81 yards, 3.7 per carry) and kept the Saints and underperforming offense longer than most of us expected. I wouldn’t say this was a good performance by any means but we saw some good things. That said the unit produced no sacks and no turnovers, so when you compare that to what the Falcons did it’s pretty night and day. On to the grades…
Cameron Jordan: D+ (2.38) He’s pulled a disappearing act as of late. He’s not the pass rusher he was last season and while his lone tackle was around the line of scrimmage he just hasn’t made an impact or really been a difference maker all too often this season.
Junior Galette: C+ (2.31) Did a decent job getting pressure but Matt Ryan did a phenomenal job getting the ball out quickly. He finished with 3 tackles mostly on hustle plays. I did see more effort than usual but the results weren’t there.
Akiem Hicks: B (2.33) I thought he was one of the better Saints on the day. He got good pocket pressure on passing plays and was in Ryan’s face on occasion. He finished with 3 tackles and a defended pass.
John Jenkins: B (2.56) Another high tackle total for the big man with 6 this week. Give him credit for being stout against the run, his presence was a big reason why the Saints were pretty successful slowing down the Atlanta rushing attack.
Tyrunn Walker: C- (2.29) A very quiet day making no impact and not getting much pressure on passing downs.
Brandon Deaderick: C (1.85) Make 1 tackle around the line of scrimmage against the run. He hasn’t been an impressive reserve on the whole this year.
David Hawthorne: B (2.58) Did a good job blowing up Steven Jackson in the backfield causing a loss early. Was spotty in coverage but was around the football and did a good job tackling. Led the team with 8 tackles. He’s finishing out this season well.
Curtis Lofton: C+ (2.62) Was singled on the outside in coverage pre-snap against Devonta Freeman which is just crazy. I blame the coaches there. Of course he ran deep and burned Lofton for 36 yards. It was a quiet game for Lofton, he finished with 5 tackles including one for a loss.
Parys Haralson: C+ (2.33) He had 4 tackles and played the run well. No surprises there. He didn’t do an effective job as a pass rusher, though, and he was flagged once for illegal use of the hands.
Ramon Humber: C (2.31) Left the game with an injury and would later come back. He had 5 tackles but struggled, especially in coverage.
Keenan Lewis: C- (2.51) On the opening drive he was one on one on a high ball to Julio Jones on 1st and 19 and gave up 23 yards. He gave up another 1st down to Jones on a different 3rd down play. In the second half he was clearly not right, going into the locker room for an IV. When he came back he appeared to be hunched over and dry heaving on the field. Eventually the Saints took him out. He finished with 5 tackles and got beat far more than usual. Clearly he’s not right and I’d like to see him sit out the final game. The poor guy has been going out there wounded all season. I applaud it, but it’s time for Keenan to shut it down and heal for 2015.
Terrence Frederick: C- (2.50) The degree of difficulty went up this week and Frederick showed he’s not a starting quality NFL corner. At least not yet. He was beaten numerous times. In fact, he was fortunate Roddy White couldn’t hang on to one deep ball where he easily blew past Frederick. To his credit he did make a nice tackle on Freeman on a 3rd and 1 short of the sticks, but he also missed a very makeable open field tackle which allowed for Freeman’s big touchdown run. Not a good day but he gets a little boost from the tackle that forced a punt. Anytime you can get this defense off the field you deserve mention.
Patrick Robinson: C+ (2.39) He finished with 3 tackles. He was beaten by Roddy White for a 1st down on a 3rd and 6 once but he also made a tackle on Levine Toilolo short of the sticks on another 3rd. Helped in run defense. A decent day in coverage besides that White first down.
Corey White: C (2.02) He came in and contributed mostly as an extra blitzer. He made no impact and didn’t make any major mistakes. Played an active role as a gunner.
Brian Dixon: C+ (2.06) Was beaten repeatedly by Jones when he had to come in for a suffering Lewis. He competed hard on special teams and made a nice tackle on Jones on a screen, though. Also downed a punt at the Atlanta 6 and finished with 4 tackles. Covering Julio Jones is tough but I like the way he competed.
Kenny Vaccaro: B- (2.09) Seems to be improving a little bit. His big play was a nice hit on Roddy White short of a first down which forced a massive punt late. The Saints wouldn’t do anything with that drive to help win the game, but Vaccaro at least gave them a chance with that great tackle. He finished with 4 tackles and did well in coverage.
Pierre Warren: C- (2.40) Ryan did a good job looking him off and getting the ball out quickly. Warren made no impact and took a poor angle on Freeman’s touchdown run. He finished with 3 tackles and this was a far cry from the guy we saw in Chicago.
Shayne Graham: C (2.69) My main gripe with the Saints originally planning to go for it on 4th and 2 from the 34 early in the game is that you know a big factor in that decision was a lack of trust in Graham being able to hit from 51. Graham two for two on extra points but almost missed the second tucking it just inside the upright.
Thomas Morstead: A (3.05) A monster day punting with 50 yards gross on 4 punts and 49.5 net. Two punts were inside the 20 and he completely took Devin Hester out of the game. He had a long of 63.
Jalen Saunders: A (2.87) Opened the game with a 99 yard kickoff return that would go down to the 1 and set up the opening touchdown for the Saints. What a way to start the game. Too bad that huge spark didn’t ignite something. He also had a 21 yard return on a short kick that was decent and he caught the ball cleanly and securely. I’ve been calling for him to replace Travaris Cadet on kickoff returns and I’m glad that happened. He’s a keeper for next year.
Tim Lelito: C+ (2.33) Showed decent hands catching a squib kick and making sure the ball was secure. He probably could have returned it a little bit, though.
Josh Hill: C- (2.65) Not much to note and he barely played on offense and didn’t do much on special teams other than absolutely get obliterated on a punt return.
Kasim Edebali: B- (2.06) Had a tackle pushing Devin Hester out of bounds for no gain.
Marcus Ball: B+ (2.07) Had two special teams tackles to help keep Hester in check.
My Defensive Player of the Game: Akiem Hicks
My Special Teams Player of the Game: Jalen Saunders
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