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Saints 42 @ Lions 7: Making the Grade

Quarterback

A


vs DET / 12.21.08 Passing Rushing
Comp Att Pct Yds TD Rush Yds Avg TD
Drew Brees 30 40 75.0 351 2 3 -3 -1.0 0

We knew Drew would light up the Lions. Good to see him look more like he did earlier this season. Just another typical day at work for the most amazing quarterback in the league. Good luck to Drew next week. I will be counting every yard. He also needs just one more different receiver to catch a touchdown pass to break the record for most receivers with a touchdown catch in one season.

NFL Scores, Schedule and Blog Posts - SB Nation

Running Back

A-


vs DET / 12.21.08 Rushing Receiving
Rush Yards Avg TD Rec Yards Avg TD
Pierre Thomas 13 77 5.9 1 3 26 8.7 0


vs DET / 12.21.08 Rushing Receiving
Rush Yards Avg TD Rec Yards Avg TD
Deuce McAllister 9 61 6.8 1 1 6 6.0 0

I didn't want to give these guys the full A because after watching the Giants running game last night I see how good a running game can be, but for the Saints their performance on Sunday was pretty good by comparison. Also, this was Detroit so everything should be taken with a grain of salt. Deuce's big day was certainly a pleasant surprise however.

Receiving

B+


vs DET / 12.21.08 Receiving
Rec Yards Avg TD
Marques Colston 9 99 11.0 2


vs DET / 12.21.08 Receiving
Rec Yards Avg TD
Devery Henderson 2 96 48.0 0

Colston had his first two-touchdown game of the season and Devery filled his role as a big play specialist. Drew threw for 351 yards so you know the guys on the other end did a good job. Still not perfect though as Shockey dropped an easy one, failing to get his first touchdown as a Saint, and Lance Moore has been hiding out lately. Moore and Colston never seem to put together good games on the same day.

Offensive Line

A

These guys played pretty well yesterday. I don't think Drew ever even had to hurry a throw. The O-line is still on pace to break the record for fewest sacks allowed in a season. And with the running game finally looking decent I am starting to think these guys weren't the problem earlier in the year. Also, only one false start penalty by Jon Stinchcomb.

Defensive Line

C


vs DET / 12.21.08 Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Solo Ast Total Sacks Yds Int Yds IntTD
Jeff Charleston 1 0 1 1 9 0 0

I'm a little disappointed with this unit. If ever there was a game where these guys should have dominated it was this one. I would have expected more than just 2 sacks from our line. I know they can do better and I refuse to settle. Where are you Will Smith?

Linebackers

B+


vs DET / 12.21.08 Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Solo Ast Total Sacks Yds Int Yds IntTD
Scott Fujita 6 1 7 0 0 0 0 0


vs DET / 12.21.08 Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Solo Ast Total Sacks Yds Int Yds IntTD
Jonathan Vilma 4 4 8 0 0 0 0 0

A typical day at the office for our linebacking corp. Fujita and Vilma both find themselves toward the top of the defensive tackles sheet. These two are both turning out to be as dependable as Brees for a good game.

Secondary

B


vs DET / 12.21.08 Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Solo Ast Total Sacks Yds Int Yds IntTD
Josh Bullocks 8 2 10 0 0 0 0 0


vs DET / 12.21.08 Tackles Sacks Interceptions
Solo Ast Total Sacks Yds Int Yds IntTD
Roman Harper 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 0

Josh Bullocks must have been fired up to play against his brother because he, amazingly, led the team in tackles this week. He also wasn't responsible for any mind-numbing big plays. Harper had a nice game and was laying the lumber on a few guys. He also missed an easy chance for an interception. Can't forget Usama Young who had his moments also. Still, it's the Lions!

Special Teams

A

Skyler Green set the tone with his great kick return. Fortunately, we never had to see much of Pakulak or Hartley. This grade is based mostly on Hartley and his solid job of putting the ball in the end zone on kickoffs this Sunday.