It might not have been the way the Saints drew it up, but a win is a win, and the Saints move to 3-1. While the Saints’ defense played well, the Jaguars’ offensive output was consistent with how they’ve done all season. In fact, 10 points was slightly ABOVE their points per game average, if you can believe that. The reality is the Saints played an inferior opponent and they let them hang around. The offense performed well at times, but sputtered in the red zone and got way too sloppy. This game should have been a blowout. Instead, the Saints will settle for a very ugly 23-10 win. But, like I said, anytime you get a win on the road you have to go home happy. I thought the offensive line played incredible A+ level quality football for 3 quarters, before playing poorly in the 4th. The Saints’ ability to kill the game is something they’ll also have to work on. In the end, though, the Saints did what they needed to do. Here’s my bullets on the game:
- The first Drew Brees interception before halftime almost went to the house, and that would have tied the game at 14. The defense came up with a huge 3 and out stop to bail out that mistake and make it a 14-10 game. That was a terrible decision by Brees, and had shades of the mistakes in the Browns/Cards game that resulted in losses to ridiculously weaker opponents last season.
- The Saints ran the ball incredibly well. In fact, I wish they had done it more. 177 yards at 5.2 yards per carry? Wow.
- Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles are the focal points of this offense. It becomes more and more evident each week.
- Speaking of Sproles, he had another whale of a game. He’s added a wrinkle/dimension to this offense that the Saints only had at times with Reggie Bush. He does all the right things and he’s just a terrific football player. What a pickup.
- The cornerback play was very solid today. Tracy Porter, Patrick Robinson and Jabari Greer were all solid back there.
- Will Smith was in Blaine Gabbert’s face a good bit. Great to see him playing so well.
- I wish Pierre Thomas got more touches. He’s been oustanding in really limited duty this year. At what point does this “pitch count” expire? I’ll trust the Saints’ staff on this one, though. Keep the guy healthy. We’ll need him down the stretch. (see Super Bowl victory).
- Blaine Gabbert looked horrible, especially in the second half. His accuracy was suspect at best. Jury is still out of course, but I’m not sure this guy has what it takes to be an NFL starter long term.
- Maurice Jones-Drew had 11 carries. If the Jaguars want to win 1 more game this season, that better never happen again. Inexcusable if you’re the Jags’ playcaller, I think. How can he only get 12 touches (1 reception) in an offense that cannot produce whatsoever outside of him? Just not smart at all.
- Scott Shanle handed the Jags’ offense 2 first downs on 3rd down plays with stupid penalties.
- John Kasay finally showed his limitations a bit, missing a 50 and 53 yarder. I really don’t feel comfortable with this guy kicking anything outside 45 yards.
- Jed Collins was FABULOUS. He scored his first NFL touchdown, was terrific blocking, helped on special teams, and (thanks to Marijn P. for pointing this out) he deserves the credit for Ingram getting that 4th and 1. He grabbed Ingram by the jersey when he was stopped and threw him forward to get the first down.
- Speaking of that play, I felt that was a stupid decision by the Saints. At that point you’re up 23-10. Why risk giving a sputtering offense the ball at the 50? Why help them out? Just punt and make them drive 80 yards! The Saints did get that first down, but I strongly disagreed with that decision.
- The Saints did a very poor job running out the clock.
That’s all I got. Like I said, we’ll take it. A win is a win. Next week is at Carolina, another “should” win. Stay tuned for the grades!
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