Falcons 25 @ Saints 29: Making the Grade
by Dave Cariello on Dec 9, 2008 6:00 AM CST
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Quarterback
A
Drew just quietly did what he needed to do and let his running backs do the rest. Really no reason why he doesn't deserve an A for this performance.
Running Back
A+
I think we have all been waiting a long time to finally see numbers like this from Pierre and Reggie. We all knew they had it in them, we just had to convince the one person who needed convincing. I had to give them an A+ just out of pure happiness. To be fair, credit is also due to the offensive line who seemed to do a better job opening up some holes. And since I always get down on the running backs because of Payton's poor play calling, this week I also give Payton's dedication to the run and offensive balance an A+ as well.
Receiving
B
Not a great day from the Saints usual go-to-guy's Colston and Moore but Devery Henderson broke off a long catch and run to put himself at the top of the Saints receiving stats. Jeremy Shockey also made some big catches on some big plays. He still hasn't gotten into the end zone but it looks like Drew is definitely starting to utilize Shockey better. I like where this is going.
Offensive Line
A-
A good performance from the running backs should also mean a good day for the guys in the trenches. The O-line never let Atlanta get to Brees. We also saw a much better job by Jammal Brown and by the coaching staff who double teamed Abraham and kept him in check for 60 minutes. They drop a grade though thanks to yet another Jammal Brown holding call. Only acceptable if Drew was about to eat dirt. Carl Nicks also had a good game.
Defensive Line
C
The lack of pressure from the Saints defensive line continues to disappoint. Matt Ryan had all day to make his passes and the Saints never put Matty Ice on the ground. Will Smith was actually a factor out there. Still, just not what we all expected heading into this season.
Linebackers
B
Vilma and Shanle were flying around out there. Fujita also made his presence known a little bit. These guys did a nice job keeping Turner from doing too much damage on the ground.
Secondary
C
These guys gave up way too many big pass plays and a frustrating amount of 3rd down conversions. Granted they didn't get any help from the Saints pass rush. Josh Bullocks is also a handicap. Jason David is actually the bright spot of this unit. Did I just say that?
Special Teams
A+
Honestly I think this unit was great from top to bottom. Hartley is still perfect and putting kickoffs in the end zone. Pakulak kicked the hell out of the ball. The coverage units were on the punt returners, quickly making tackles. And Pierre's kickoff return put the Saints in position to win. Doesn't get much better than that.
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IMHO
This was the most complete, balanced game of the year. Offensively it was by far one of the best, not perfect, but well balanced and effective, and in the 4th qtr when it counted the offense was able to convert and run the clock out to finish the game. Defense gave up too many long 3rd down conversions, but in the end held to give the ball back to the offense when it mattered to allow them to run the clock out.
Offense: A
Defense: C-
Overall: B
I pretty much agree
but I’d change the defensive grade to C+. They did do a pretty good job stopping the run. Since the special teams did so well, that raises the overall grade to B+, maybe even A-. I’m inclined to say B+, because that means there’s plenty of improvement we can look forward to.
Right?
Stupid Bucs...
I graded on a curve!!
I guess BayouRebel makes a good point that the defense was not exactly stellar except in the end got the job done, so for me to give the Saints an A overall was generous. But, I was just so happy to have next week to look forward to ( and not have my birthday ruined!!) , a loss would have meant “curtains.” So, I am going to give the offense an A and the defense a B- and that averages out overall to an A- (I graded on a curve!) because the bottom line a is a defense just has to come thru when needed. It would be nice if they were dominating and intimidating, but seeing as we have the best offense in the NFL, if they can just come thru during those times in the game when we really need them to, I would settle for that.
yes yes, all right. Enough with the back slapping and high fiving, it's a short week
I was in a good mood until I read the fanshots.
Everybody, I don’t want to hear any “The Saints always hurt my feelings so I’m not going to believe they can beat the Bears at Soldier Field, I’m going to be sarcastic and negative. If I’m wrong no one will care but if I’m right I can say Told You So.”
Fair warning: You post that shit on here this week and I will flame your ass black until Saintsational revokes my membership. I do NOT want to hear it. Go post on fucking NOLA.COM, we don’t need that horseshit here.
YES
we must get serious about getting serious about the Saints beating Da BEars on Thursday night. Wait – I meant that line to be powerful, but now it just looks like I was trying to tease Stujo.
What I mean is that I agree with Stujo – we must BELIEVE in our boys to do it. This team has the potential to do anything, and we must think positively and give the team our unconditional support for 4 EFFING QUARTERS on Thursday night.
We can still possibly finish the season 10-6 and in the wild card (which is what the Giants did last year before they won the whole effing thing).
FAITH HOPE and BUM, er…PAYTON
"We're one of the better third-down teams in the league..." Saints linebacker Scott Fujita
The Saints
can and should beat Chicago. I really hope they go in there with a huge chip on their shoulder and lay the smackdown on em in their house! It’s no shorter a week for the Saints than it is for the Bears. The offense seems to finally be balanced and clicking on all cylinders. The defense is still dinged up with injuries but has proven they can at least play adequate with some flashes of excellence. The Bears, the Lions and the Panthers IN THE DOME, I still believe 10 – 6 is a realistic possibility!
Playoffs start Thursday
I’ve heard a lot griping about playing at Soldier Field, but I want to play there and beat them.
It will be so much sweeter beating them there. Not as easy, but sweeter.
I guarantee we win, because it’s my Birthday this Thursday.
WHO DAT
Jesus, Puke.... you had a birthday 2 games ago during the game thread
But OK, I’ll take it. Big birthday on Thursday!
follow the link below - anyone see anything prophetic about the game?
http://www.famousbirthdays.net/december11.htm
"We're one of the better third-down teams in the league..." Saints linebacker Scott Fujita
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