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John Breitenbach | October 20, 2014

No one will ever know what was going through Drew Brees’ mind when he threw late across the middle under pressure with just three minutes to go in the fourth quarter leading by six.

The normally composed Brees had a minor meltdown in that moment and the Lions were obliged to take advantage. Even then, controversy remained as the Saints recorded a fourth-down stop only to be penalized for a rather marginal pass interference penalty.

Here are some notable individual performances.

New Orleans Saints – Performances of Note

Curtis Lofton, MLB: +5.9

Breakdown: After rough outings in his two previous games (-9.1 combined) Lofton turned it around against the Lions. In his last four games he now has two games graded above +3.0 and two graded worse than -4.5. Lofton put in a complete performance here with a team-high +3.0 grade against the run, predominantly on the back of nine defensive stops. In coverage he allowed seven of nine targets to be completed but for just 32 yards and just a single first down. Lofton’s ability to diagnose and disrupt screen passes was crucial in the Saints’ defensive effort.

Signature Stat: Lofton is currently fourth amongst inside linebackers in Run Stop Percentage (12.2%).

Keenan Lewis, CB: +4.1 and Corey White, CB: -3.4

Breakdown: While one Saints corner stood out the other really struggled. Lewis allowed just one of four targets to be completed for 4 yards and added a pass deflection and interception. In contrast, White gave up eight of nine targets, 148 yards, a pair of scores, and a perfect QB rating into his coverage.

Signature Stat: White is allowing 1.82 yards per cover snap, while Lewis is allowing 1.07.

Parys Haralson, SLB: -5.3

Breakdown: After a good start to the season Haralson really struggled against the Lions. Despite playing in just 41 of 72 plays, he amassed a -5.3 grade and some poor discipline. Twice Haralson jumped offside and he committed an illegal hands to the face penalty. As a pass rusher he failed to record any pressure in 26 rushes beyond recording a clean-up sack, and in run defense the only contributions he made were negative.

Signature Play: Haralson crucially lost contain on an outside run with 11.29 to play in the fourth quarter, allowing himself to be sealed to the inside by Brandon Pettigrew, opening up a big hole.

PFF Game Ball

Curtis Lofton will want to establish consistency in his game but he bounced back exceptionally from two poor outings.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...-lions-week-7/