There are a few players worthy of being awarded our game ball of the week following the Saints narrow overtime victory over the Falcons on Sunday, including safety Roman Harper with his thirteen tackles and one sack.
But for his effort against Atlanta, coming up with the big play every time the Saints needed, I've made the executive decision to give this weeks game ball to wide receiver Marques Colston, the same guy all of you voted as player of the game. This is the second time Colston has achieved the honor this season.
His Sunday stat line was certainly impressive but nothing we haven't already seen from Colston. Saints fans have come to expect these type of numbers from him, if not better.
What was more impressive, at least to me personally, was his role as the commander of clutch in the Saints victory over Atlanta. Out of thirteen third down opportunities for the Saints offense, the Saints converted only four. That's a paltry completion percentage of only 30%. Piss poor and atypical of this offense in 2011. But guess who was coming up with the catch on all four of those successful third down conversions? That's right! Here they are:
3-2-NO 43 (5:29) (Shotgun) D.Brees pass short right to M.Colston to ATL 48 for 9 yards (C.Lofton)
3-8-NO 35 (3:50) (Shotgun) D.Brees pass short middle to M.Colston to ATL 46 for 19 yards (T.DeCoud)
3-5-50 (9:19) (Shotgun) D.Brees pass deep right to M.Colston to ATL 32 for 18 yards (J.Sanders)
3-11-ATL 45 (3:16) (Shotgun) D.Brees pass short middle to M.Colston to ATL 32 for 13 yards (K.Hayden)
When the Saints really needed a first down to keep the ball moving against the Falcons, I mean really needed one, it was Colston to the rescue this Sunday. So I guess some things never change. Because despite the emergence of players like Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles as integral cogs of this offense, and despite their increased role as Payton and Drew's favorite new toys, Marques Colston is still doing his job...and still doing it well.