Overreactions from the Saints Week 5 game against the Panthers

In what could be described as a “nail biter” the New Orleans Saints pulled out a 27-24 victory over divisional rivals the Carolina Panthers. We have talked about the biggest takeaways, and what looked “ugly” so now we are going to overreact in this piece.

There was plenty to overreact to. I’ll take some of the hottest overreactions I’ve seen on social media and bring them to life! So, without further ado, let’s get to it.

Cam Jordan has Regressed and Needs to Take a Backseat

Yes, Jordan has a solid PFF grade of 76.2 and has 1.5 sacks on the season. But after six games that puts him on pace for just four sacks over a full slate of 16 games. That is a far cry from 13.5 sacks he has averaged over the last three seasons. Furthermore, his missed tackle percentage is up, his quarterback pressures are down, and he just hasn’t been as much as a factor in the pass rush game.

Jordan is a leader not just in the defensive line unit, but in the locker room and on the team. Younger players are starting to solidify their positions on the team such as Marcus Davenport, Trey Hendrickson, and even Carl Granderson is starting to come along. The unit was able to put a type of pressure on Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday but was only able to come up with one sack. In previous seasons, that type of matchup would have had Jordan licking his chops and feasting on the opposition. Instead, he remained relatively quiet, just as he has all season. I have seen it all over social media: “It’s time for him to step up or look at giving up some snap share to electric, young players.” But, is it just an overreaction?

This Saints Team is Super Bowl Bound

Did you see Drew Brees march up and down the field on Sunday without Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders? What about the 12/14 on third down? How about that timely sack by Marcus Davenport in the fourth quarter to close the game out?

Every aspect of the Saints gameplan on Sunday looked great. Most of the units on the field played well minus the secondary who played so badly they deserve their own article. But, what happens when Thomas and Sanders return, can this offense be stopped now that it’s rolling? Likely not. What if New Orleans adds a competent cornerback or safety that can tackle, can this secondary fix its issues? Probably.

All of the Saints woes this season can be attributed to slow starts (now fixed) and the inability to stop the pass. Now, the offense is rolling and should only get stronger. The secondary can sometimes make a stop, and when it does it is in the biggest moments, such as Marshon Lattimore’s game-winning stop against the Los Angeles Chargers.

One key addition to the secondary and this team is Super Bowl bound. Mark my words.

Signing Malcolm Jenkins to Replace Vonn Bell was a Bust

Now, it wasn’t New Orleans’ fault that Bell is no longer on the team. They offered just as much money as the Cincinnati Bengals did, but the safety ended up taking the deal and moving to Ohio. In an immediate pivot, the Saints quickly signed former-Eagles safety Jenkins to his second stint with New Orleans.

Jenkins played well in Philadelphia, but he was in a great defensive system that suited his playing style and his attitude. Since arriving in the Big Easy he has been... disappointing. He was brought in to be a leader, but routinely blows coverages, misses tackles and is not setting the example for the rest of the secondary unit. Jenkins is also nearly eight years older than Bell and was clearly a signing that signaled “all in” by the Saints. However, his play has seriously declined this year. His PFF grade so far this year sits at 51.4. Last year he registered a 67.2, down from his 2015-18 grades where he nearly had an 80.0 rating.

It is understandable why New Orleans signed Jenkins, but his performance this season has been seriously underwhelming and lackluster. He is but one of many reasons why this secondary, and subsequently, this defense is struggling so badly.

What are your overreactions? Let us know in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, follow us on Instagram at @SaintsCSC and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @KadeKistner.