Saints 30 @ Chiefs 20: Making the Grade

Quarterback B

Drew actually played pretty well and if his receivers...cough...held on to a few more his numbers would be even better. Had to give him a B because we all know what Drew can do on a really good day.

Running Back B-

Pierre's performance was definitely my favorite part of the win on Sunday. Not only did he run well but he peppered in a few catches for a healthy chunk of yardage. Versatility...I love it. Deuce didn't really get that many touches but he did get himself a touchdown. For the Saints though it's still not great when you look at what teams like the Giants are doing on the ground. This was against Kansas City so I would expect bigger numbers.

Receiving B-

Lance Moore is starting to get people's attention as he continues to shine. Regardless of your feelings of Moore and his run after the catch ability, you have to admit he's a good guy to have on your team. Pierre Thomas finished with the second most receiving yards. Shockey was just being Shockey and with Devery finally making catches and Colston now with a case of the dropsies, this plotline is starting to resemble the fabulous 80's movie Vice Versa. Replace the strange ornamental skull with a bulky finger brace.

Offensive Line B

This unit did a much better job on Sunday. No stupid penalties. Drew never got touched. Jammal Brown never got dominated. And they opened up some holes for Pierre to gain good yardage. Also no botched snaps.

Defensive Line B

A much better job getting pressure on the quarterback this week thanks in large part to Jeff Charleston. Before we get carried away just remember that on one of his sacks Larry Johnson completely missed his assignment. Will Smith also got on the board with a sack though Scott Shanle did a lot of the initial work. Again, because this was Kansas City, everything is graded on a curve.

Linebackers B-

Another busy game for Scott Fujita picking up the slack for Jonathan Vilma who had another pedestrian game. Hope nothing is wrong there. As mentioned above, Scott Shanle almost got that sack himself.These three guys have been quietly going about there business this season.

Secondary C

These guys played pretty okay! I don't know what you call it but sometimes when Thigpen threw it to one of his receivers, Randall Gay hit the ball away before the receiver could catch it. He did that a couple of times. Jason David did it too. Is that a new play? Usama Young also got himself an interception. But alas the Saints gave up a few frustrating big plays - some on 3rd down - so we're still not there yet. And regardless of whether Usama Young had good coverage on Bowe in the end zone they still counted as scores.

Special Teams B+

I hate to say it but maybe all of that roster shuffling by Payton actually paid off. Hartley is still perfect and his kickoffs have a little bit of mustard on them too. Not to be outdone, Pakulak the punter has got a leg himself. Maybe the great kicker experiment of '07-'08 is finally over. Conclusion: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.