Saints 7 @ Panthers 30: Making the Grade
by Dave Cariello on Oct 21, 2008 6:00 AM CDT
Email
PrintQuarterback B
This was a pedestrian game for the super human Brees. The stats above don't show Drew's one interception that came at a key moment. Drew and his receivers just couldn't seem to get on the same page.
Running Back A
These are the best numbers from these two guys all season. Reggie's numbers were just one halves worth of work. It's a darn shame that we didn't get a chance to see more. Much thanks has to go to offensive line for an improved effort in running blocking also.
Receiving C
Once again Devery leads the pack. Brees used his tight ends a lot during the game and Lance Moore was the second leading wide receiver with only 10 yards. Colston looked clearly not ready. All in all it wasn't a great performance from on otherwise dominant corp. The rhthym and chemistry just weren't there as it usually is and that may have had to do with the return of Colston and Shockey. Did I just say that?
Offensive Line B
Definitely an improvement in the run blocking against Carolina. Unfortunately it was at the expense of their pass blocking skills. Brees was rushed quite often in the pocket and without enough time Dr. Drew can't carve up defensive secondaries with surgical precision as he is wont to do. The loss of Jonathan Goodwin could have played a factor also.
Defensive Line C
This was McCray's coming out party. After only 3 sacks in the first 6 games McCray registered double that in just one game. Kendrick Clancy got himself the only sack of the game. As a whole though the line didn't get enough pressure on Delhomme which would have helped a great deal. Will Smith's play up to this point in the season has been fairly disappointing as well.
Linebackers B
It's not a big number like 10 or 11 but Vilma's 7 tackles are once again good enough for the game high. He also batted down a ball at the line, something I would love to see the Saints do more of. I think it's amazing that Vilma's consistently great play hasn't been recognized more.
Secondary C
The good news is that these guys didn't drop any easy interception chances. That's a big improvement from last week. The bad news is that they never really had any chances. Steve Smith racked up 122 yards including a catch in the endzone amid double coverage so that should tell you a little something about how great this unit played. Kaesviharn once again is at the top of the tackles list. Not sure whether that is a testament to his ability or our cornerbacks lack thereof. McKenzie wasn't his usual self either, falling down on a deep route that was luckily overthrown. I debated on giving them a D but I'm in a forgiving mood.
Special Teams C
Personally, I would have given special teams an A. I didn't see anything unusual or out of the ordinary. Mehlhaff was a perfect 100% on extra points and his kickoffs seem to be getting better. But apparently our punting was so awful that Payton needed to cut Steve Weatherford right there on the spot. How could I possibly give it an A after that? Payton axed the dude.
10 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Bad Loss
Sad thing was..my third prediction came true. I was in the hospital and they had to drug me so I slept through the entire game.
Grading on a curve?
I think you took it a little easy on the boys this week. Nothing below a C? With the exception of McCray, the DL was manhandled. They get a D at best. The O-line couldn’t pass block at all – a B is very generous. I think even a C for Brees, he was not sharp.
St. Bevo is correct
And maybe C- for Brees. Played like he overslept and missed the bus to the stadium. “Who’s #12??”
geez
is it really only Tuesday? Only cure for this hangover is another game and it is still 5 friggin days away
Bad game all around
Brees, I’ll give a – D for his performance (was not Messiah like)
Running game – B+, (rushed for over 5 yards/carry, but couldn’t convert 4th and short)
Receivers – D (dropped passes, although Henderson who I’ve been a critic of, is playing great and catching everything)
Defensive line – D (only McCray is worth mentioning, everyone else stunk it up)
LB’s – D (Their worst game of the year by far)
DBs – F(-) (Horrible, Horrible, horrible) Is there a lower rating than F?
Special Teams – F (I complained about Weatherford the whole game, and was comforted seeing that he was cut)
Now if we could just get Gibbs out…..
WHO DAT
In this game
I was telling my friend that every time he punted, the returner had to move up on the ball and was never forced back. At first, I thought it was because the wind or something, but it happened going both directions.
I wouldn’t mind the LSU kicker from last year, forget his name. He had a hell of a leg.
WHO DAT
Patrick Fisher
Just remembered,
I’m not a LSU homer, but I really don’t pay too much attention to Punters in general. I do watch LSU games and noticed his kicks quite often.
Here are his stats.
WHO DAT
Patrick Fisher
Too bad, looks like he went and got a real job. Tried out for the Dolphins but didn’t make it.
Payton a genius?? haha
why cant he ever try play action on 3rd and 1. A bootleg with Brees, or a tight end roll out. Every team knows they have problems on 3rd and 1. He is supposed to be a genius but he is so predictable, I have been 100% percent when anticipating if they will run or throw. Mix it up. You have to be one step ahead of the defense, 3rd and one, even try a QB sneak up the middle., Its one Freakin yard!!! Bootlegs work like 90% of the time in those situations because defenses never expect it especially when you never do it.
And Brees needs to stop throwing the ball before the 1st down yard markers, and the recievers need to understand where the first downs are, i can’t remember a team that has had so many 3rd and 1 situations. Its so frustrating to watch at home, its like just lean forward two more feet you idiot. i need to drive off a cliff now.
by MisterFootball on Oct 21, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
why cant he ever try play action on 3rd and 1. A bootleg with Brees, or a tight end roll out
I’d like to see this too. And I mean REAL play action not the fake shit that doesn’t fool anybody. Put that ball down on your thigh with your back to the defense. Brees can run a little, just coach him to throw it away before he takes a big hit. What’s the big deal?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canal Street Chronicles
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Ahmad Bradshaw says Cowboys won’t win with Tony Romo at QB
- Cruz: Manningham’s Super catch wasn’t drawn up that way
- Whitney Houston performed the greatest national anthem in sports history (video)
- Justin Tuck visits New York City cop who survived gunshot wound to head
- The Giants won the ‘Brain Bowl,’ too
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
