4 Ups and 0 Downs From Yesterday’s Win Against the Carolina Panthers

The final score would seem to indicate the game was closer than it really was. Still, in what was another roller-coaster of a game with plenty of ups and downs along the way, here are a couple that stood out.

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Up: Rest

This cannot be overstated: it is absolutely huge that the Saints were able to pull off a big win against a divisional opponent, come away virtually unscathed, and were able to rest two of their dinged-up players in CB Marshon Lattimore and OT Terron Armstead.

The Saints have a short week of rest this week as they open their series against the Atlanta Falcons this Thursday, so the Saints were able to give Lattimore and Armstead (two of the more important players on each side of the ball) a few extra days rest to prepare. As both have been dealing with nagging injuries, the makeshift mini-Bye week after Thursday Night Football couldn’t come at a better time for those two.

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Up: Willie Snead

He lives!

Reports came out before the game that confirmed the thoughts/fears of many Saints fans. Snead’s lack of production after his suspension/injury were due in part to added weight and not being in top game shape. Those same reports stated that Snead was now looking back in the groove and that Sean Payton expected Snead to be eased into a larger role as the season went on. He didn’t have a huge game by any stretch of the imagination, but he had two catches on the day, including a big gain to convert a crucial third down.

Now let’s just see if he can build on that.

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Up: Taysom Hill

After the Saints Special Teams has struggled in coverage the past few weeks, it wasn’t a shock to see a few different players start for the team yesterday. One of those players was a shock, though, as it was 3rd-string QB Taysom Hill who was injected into the special teams unit.

Hill showed off his 4.4 speed, flying all over the field. While none of his plays were incredibly impactful, his energy helped give the team a spark that you could read on the faces of Sean Payton and the team.

Best of luck to this kid moving forward.

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Up: Alvin Kamara

[generic line about how awesome Kamara is]

[repeat statement from last few weeks about how difficult he is to tackle]

[copy-and-paste Pepsi Offensive Player of the Week award]

[conclude by reiterating that he deserves Offensive Rookie of the Year]