New Orleans Saints' Offensive Player Grades @ Redskins
by Andrew Juge on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 PM CST
46 comments
Below are the player grades on offense for the game at Washington. You'll notice the passing game was largely exceptional, while the run game was largely lacking in performance. The letter grade represents the player's performance in the game and the GPA behind it represents the player's cumulative performance for the season.
Drew Brees: A (3.22) Brees was shaky at times, hanging on to the ball longer than we're accustomed to and having his height limitations more pronounced than usual with the batted passes, but overall Brees was once again masterful. He finished 35 of 49 for 419 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. The minute Shaun Suisham missed that short field goal, there was almost no question Brees would go down and tie the game at 30. I have to give personal credit to my cousin, Chris, who proclaimed the second the field goal missed that the score would be 30-30 within minutes. The bottom line was on a day where the defense couldn't seem to do anything right, Brees somehow kept the Saints within striking distance, and he led them to victory in the closing moments.
Reggie Bush: C- (2.50) Bush had limited action in the game but had a satisfactory day as a receiver. He had 4 catches for 28 yards. Rushing wise, his lone carry was a 3rd and 1 run to the left side where he was hit for a no gain. I'm not sure why he would ever be used as a short yardage back. His punt returning was once again embarassing. He ran backwards, per usual, and lost 2 yards on his only return. Because of his antics a block in the back was also added to the play. At what point do the Saints decide that Bush is a terrible punt returner? I remember the Vikings game last year like everyone else, but a blind squirrel could look at his punt returns numbers on the year and realize it's time to look for a viable alternative.
Mike Bell: C- (2.77) Bell was mediocre, and was often stacked up in short yardage situations. Typically he's tough to bring down, but he went down all too easy in this game. He finished with 16 carries for 34 yards, for just a 2.1 yard average. He did a good job running the football in overtime, but that was about it.
Pierre Thomas: C+ (3.10) The Saints ran the screen pass to Thomas more times than I cared to remember. That play was the staple of the Saints' offense in this game. Thomas was effective wielding through blockers and tackles, finishing with 8 catches for 64 yards. Unfortunately, his rushing attempts weren't nearly as impressive, as he finished with 18 yards on 6 carries. Thomas does deserve credit for throwing some terrific blocks on blitz pickups to keep his quarterback clean. Ultimately, the Saints were incapable of running the ball all day and Thomas never really got going.
Marques Colston: B (2.92) Colston was pretty quiet, and he was targeted by Brees with no success in a tight window a couple of times (including once in the end zone). That said, his only two catches were crucial plays. His first was a nice route that resulted in an easy, wide open 40 yard touchdown catch. His second catch was a 6 yard out that converted an important 3rd and 5 in overtime. He was targeted too many times, though, to come up with just 2 catches. He didn't get open nearly enough, but given his 40 yard TD catch I couldn't give him an uglier grade.
Devery Henderson: B+ (3.05) Henderson was brutalized by bone crushing hits on a number of occasions, most times delivered by LSU product LaRon Landry. To his credit, he was able to hang on to two big first down conversions despite huge hits he was barely able to get up from. Henderson had one bad drop that was reminiscent of his inconsistent performances of the past, but otherwise he was a go to target when the Saints needed plays. He finished with 6 catches for 61 yards. It did look like he might have dropped one of those receptions, but the Redskins never challenged his reception.
Robert Meachem: A+ (3.20) Meachem was the Saints' offensive player of the game. No poll, no debate, period. He was THE reason the Saints won the game. He's quickly becoming the prime target for Brees and the most dangerous playmaker on the team. He had 8 catches for 142 yards, including a 53 yard touchdown reception with 1:19 left to tie the game at 30. Right before halftime he stripped Kareem Moore of the Redskins after an interception. Meachem was able to make one of the more head's up plays I've ever seen, recovering the fumble after jarring it lose and racing 40 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 17. That play was, in a word, unbelievable. He did not make one single mistake through the game, and he was reliable in his route running, catching, and ability to make plays throughout the game.
Jeremy Shockey: B (2.86) It was nice to see Shockey rebound after a few quiet games in succession. With the game on the line and the Saints down a couple of scores, Shockey was relied on heavily in the 2 minute offense. He was found in the middle of the field on numerous plays, and he showed soft hands. He had an offensive pass interference call that I never fully understood. He finished with 4 catches for 47 yards. Interesting to see him used sparingly on rushing plays.
David Thomas: B- (2.33) Thomas did a poor job as a lead blocker despite getting numerous reps out of the fullback position. He did a nice job receiving, though, finishing with 3 catches for 31 yards, including a nice route where he smoked a Washington linebacker for a 21 yard gain.
Jermon Bushrod: C- (2.67) Bushrod was bad. He did a horrendous job run blocking, and a number of the running plays that went behind him were blown up. Specifically, Bush's 3rd and 1 carry and a couple of Bell's 3rd and shorts were stuffed based on poor blocking by Bushrod. His pass blocking was only marginally better as he got Brees hit and pressured on a number of plays. Veteran Andre Carter made him look silly, especially early, on a number of running plays. Give him credit, though, for making the tackle downfield after the missed field goal in regulation by Garrett Hartley.
Zach Strief: D (2.30) Strief is supposed to be the blocking specialist in short yardage situations, and quite simply, whenever he came in the game the Saints were stuffed short of the yardage they needed.
Carl Nicks: C (3.06) Nicks had an up and down game. On any and every short yardage situation the Saints had, they went behind Nicks pulling. He whiffed twice on tacklers, allowing Bell to get stacked up in the backfield. He did a poor job specifically on an important 4th and 1, which turned the ball back over to the Skins with the Saints down 20-17. Nicks did have some nice blocks and decent pass protection, but overall he had his hands full with Albert Haynesworth. I realize Nicks faced one of the best in the business, but the bottom line is he was mostly dominated.
Jonathan Goodwin: C+ (3.14) Goodwin, per usual, did a nice job pulling on the Pierre Thomas screens to throw some nice lead blocks and give Thomas some real estate to run with. His pass protection was adequate, but the Saints often attacked the middle running the ball and Goodwin wasn't strong enough to push the point of attack. He didn't have a great day, but he was one of the better linemen on an otherwise lackluster performance by the Saints' blocking unit.
Jahri Evans: C (3.28) You all know how much I sing Evans' praise every week, but this was a forgettable performance. He was flagged for an ineligible man downfield call late in the game. A play that wasn't necessarily his fault as the play was a designed screen that Brees didn't get rid of fast enough. Evans was unable to assert his normally dominant technique and force. Despite the Saints continuously running to the right side and using Nick's pulling help, the sledding was tougher than ever. The few plays that worked running the ball were plays where the blocking broke down on the right side of the line, and a lane appeared cutting against the grain on the left side. Not a good sign.
Jon Stinchcomb: D+ (2.83) Stinchcomb was the weakest link against the Redskins on the offensive line. He was pushed around and bullied all day long. He wasn't able to accomplish much and he should have been flagged way more often than what he actually got. I did notice he was flagged for an illegal block in the back on what was a horrendous attempt on a 3rd and goal screen pass to Devery Henderson. His run blocking easily deserves an F. Do yourselves a favor and DO NOT watch the tape of his run blocking attempts. Play after play after play, he allows tremendous penetration. Pass blocking was marginally better.
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No contest--Meachem is MVP
With regards to the poorer than usual performance by the O-line and the RBs, we must respect the Skins D-line for the phenomenal job they did. Haynesworth and those guys were incredible. Their D is for real. Steve Mariuchi said it last night and I agree 100%—The Redskins (not the Giants, Eagles, or Cowboys) have the best defense in the NFC East. Their only weak link was Davon Landry when he got faked out on two separate TD bombs by Brees. If not for those two plays, they would have embarrassed us. Even though they totally blew up our run game, I don’t see this as a continuing trend against other teams. Payton and the team will learn from it and make it better. I’m mostly just glad none of our O-linemen and RBs got injured on that piss-poor turf yesterday. Those conditions and the cold had to have a negative effect on their game as well.
"I said this early on that this was a good football team, they just maybe had to have a stick put in certain parts of their body to play a little harder in certain places to where we’re able to take interceptions and score touchdowns."--Gregg Williams
I agree....so far
You mean LaRon Landry, ex-LSU standout. Plus haven’t seen the Cowboy defense personally yet but we will shortly.
Yeah, LeRon.
Don’t know where I got Davon from.
"I said this early on that this was a good football team, they just maybe had to have a stick put in certain parts of their body to play a little harder in certain places to where we’re able to take interceptions and score touchdowns."--Gregg Williams
there's a Dawan Landry who played (maybe still plays) DB for the Ravens
He intercepted Brees at least once in that beatdown the Ravens laid on us in 2006.
"In the end, the bread was in the pudding." -- Bobby McCray
Shop as usual, and avoid panic buying.
The reason they totally blew up our run game
is the same reason Landry was burned for two touchdowns: they had a free safety spending too much time too far upfield, guarding against the run. So those two TDs weren’t flukes: they were the result of Washington’s conscious decision to shut down our running attack. They picked their poison, and it killed them.
Super Bowl 44: "If you play in this league and it's not your goal, there's something wrong with you." -- Marques Colston
Meachem was a Beast
No doubt, the MVP. Overall I think the offense played pretty well. We racked up 500 yards on a top 10 defense and probably one of the best defensive lines we have faced so far. I’m worried about our defense. We need to get some guys healthy and soon. When we make Jason C. look good, you know things are bad.
"I said this early on, that this was a good football team, they just maybe had to have a stick put in certain parts of their body to play a little harder in certain places." - Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
Regarding the O-Line
It’s probably fair to say that a short week hurts the guys in the trenches more than the rest of the team, so I’m not too worried by their performance.
Brees gonna throw down the Saints... Wide open Devery Henderson! Nobody's within twenty yards of him! He could do the backstroke into the end zone from there! And he'll take it in for a seventy-five yard touchdown strike!
by Joseph William Stern on Dec 7, 2009 1:31 PM CST reply actions
is it just me?
Or was the short yardage play calling bad? Their interior line was getting WAY too much penetration for us to be pulling guards. They were stacking the middle and they were coming through the A gaps fast. Thats exactly what you need to stop runs with pulling linemen. Looked like we would’ve been better off just base blocking it.
did anyone notice
brees’ stiff arm?! that was sick, he didnt extend his arm as a defense mechanism, he actually almost broke the dudes neck. one of the highlights for me.
That was awesome.
The only thing worse than losing is not winning.
by Tigernut on Dec 9, 2009 4:07 AM CST up reply actions
Reggie had no blocking...
some ppl will blame anything on him…(im talking about the punt return)
Don't worry I got your back cuz...
it was equal opportunity terrible run blocking for all RBs yesterday - UGH
"In the end, the bread was in the pudding." -- Bobby McCray
Shop as usual, and avoid panic buying.
agreed
the punts aren’t his fault the year(yeah, he ran backwards but only for 2 yards). The blocking is horendous. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen Reggie catch the ball and immediately have 4 guys in his immediate surroundings. Doesn’t matter who’s back there right now unless you can throw 4 ppl off of you at once, you’re not going anywhere. On his run, Bushrod didn’t hold his block. I expect Reggie to get that first down though
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Dec 7, 2009 10:52 PM CST up reply actions
Meach showed hustle
The whole game he hustled made catches when we needed him and the strip / touchdown was all him
They were talking about this on espn and said thats the only play payton should show the team this week and tell them thats what championship players and teams do
I agree he has stepped it up to a whole new level
by mississippisaintsfan on Dec 7, 2009 3:32 PM CST reply actions
I'm so wishy-washy I had to go with the crowd on this one. Meachem.
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 7, 2009 4:28 PM CST reply actions
did anyone consider Meacham for this award?
"In the end, the bread was in the pudding." -- Bobby McCray
Shop as usual, and avoid panic buying.
"One 'a these days, Alice. POW! Right in the kisser!"
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 8, 2009 4:54 AM CST up reply actions
tough decision, but I voted for Meachem.
I’m guessing there will be only one candidate for Defense and Special teams as well? Garret Hartley anyone?
With the fumble return for the TD
Meachum really should be considered for defensive player of the game. Seriously!
"Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." --Mike Tyson
o-line
was absolutly terrible. very disappointed in thier play.
on the other had, brees and meach single-handedly won this game for us. still hard to believe it. who dat!
Agreed...but puts Drew's performance in an ever better light...
…Brees had 400+ yards behind an o-line that played like crap…the guy’s amazing…
meachem get's my vote--the strip and the catch
how can you beat that?!!! Without that strip we lose game. I mean, the camera man was even fooled! he was stuck on the defender for a second.
Don't worry I got your back cuz...
I Guess the Pack Rules....
Brees had a hell of a game on a poor field with marginal pass protection and threw darts when he had to…. But just so he don’t get the grosse tete “big head” I’ll go along and give it Meach……Cha Ching!!!!
"Keep your foot on the back of thier necks" Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest
Sorry but I had to disagree and give it to Meachem.
I wouldn't disagree by stealing it either though, you know...
we got the black masks on... we got to get out of here. Hopefully
the police don't catch us on the way out.---Roman Harper
Meach - anyone notice...
…that he dodged 3 blockers prior to the strip and then beat 2 more after? I had to watch the reply many times…that play just blew my mind!!!!
How can you say anyone but Meachem on offense?
All I can think about from that game is that we played awful awful football and Meachem’s strip. OK, im exaggerating. I remember some awful calls by the refs(or no calls). Like on Drew’s interception, the DB ran over our WR. I know they both have a right to the ball but if you hit our player before the ball gets there and it keeps him from having a chance, it’s PI. It’s like our WR throwing you down while looking back at the ball being ok. It was just all around horendous with most of them going against us. And what was with Payton leaving Bell in on that game. A C- seems like too much. 2.2 YPC. Stopped on numerous 3rd or 4th and short. He’s there to be our bruiser and get thsoe yards. Idk why PT or Bush wasn’t in the game especially towards the end! Bell wore the D down and wore them down. It was time to put in some fresh guys to run it. Payton did a horrible job coaching the offense today. GW did an awful job too but i’ll save it for the defense. All I can say after watching this game is that we are a team of destiny in my mind. Also, where’s the variation on 3rd and shorts? I dont remember any passes, which is our strong point!
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
2009 Season
The Saints are doing something good before God and this is our season. Thanks to the Coach pyton, Bress and others.
2009 season
Saints will win the Super Bowl! This is the time and we may even repeat!
Oh, man. I know somebody who's gonna' yell at you!
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 8, 2009 4:55 AM CST up reply actions
wow
now i get every body has an opinion but lets all remember…yall cant do what these guys do…or less than 1 percent of americans get a chance to do…and i mean play in the nfl…players friends, family, peers read these comments u guys say bout our 12-0 saints so just be respectfull to them and your so called team…….
Sorry dude
you and your boys had a sub-par game. Ya’ll are still an elite O-line, but bad showing against the Skins. Do better, Carl.
"Think about that statement and all its implications for a second. The New England Patriots did not play up to the level of the New Orleans Saints." -Pat Yasinskas
That would be awesome if this was really Carl Nicks
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by Dave Cariello on Dec 9, 2009 12:38 AM CST up reply actions
It is Nicks, I recognize his voice.
Though I’m not sure why he referred to the Saints as a “so called team”. Hey, Carl baby, since we buy the tix and jerseys and all the other crap that pays your salary, don’t we get some say? Tell the peeps to have some thick skin. Babies are gonna cry, that’s just a fact of life. Ya’ll know we love ya. Besides, who is the 12th man that made Tom Brady plug his ear holes for you?
The only thing worse than losing is not winning.
by Tigernut on Dec 9, 2009 4:12 AM CST up reply actions
?
Its a shame… so since we support the saints we have the right to talk very bluntly about how good or bad…but y? Its also funny that u think u know me…can u really recognize carl nicks voice..what a joke…and let me be blunt since that’s what this site is for. Everyone who gripes, complanes, and cheer for us until my ear drums pop…y’all can’t do what they do, yeah they owe the fans for all the support but they earn those salaries…bottom line u can say I’m a baby or sensative…but at the end of the day u can’t even dream to do what I do so respect the sport
Hey Carl,
I have to say even though you guys have almost given me a heart attack every game this season i have not been unimpressed with your play and that of the offensive line this year. You guys have stepped up and kicked some a$$. The run game is vastly improved over years past. Don’t pay attention to these silly grades.
Tell Coach to bring back Deuce if god forbid a running back goes down.
Keep up the good work.
Also, you should get approval to do an interview with Saintsational…..
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