Grading the Game
 

GRADING THE GAME

Monday, October 16, 2006
Mike Triplett - Times Picayune



OFFENSE

3 fleur de lis.

The Saints fell asleep during the third quarter, and Drew Brees threw an ill-advised interception that easily could have decided this game in Philly's favor. But all was forgiven when he came back with a 48-yard touchdown pass and a clock-killing drive in the final 8:26. At the beginning and the end of this game, the Saints' offense looked better than it has all season. Brees completed his first nine passes, which helped the Saints jump to a 17-3 lead. And he completed his final 11 passes to win the game. Receiver Joe Horn had his best performance in more than a year, catching two touchdown passes, including the 48-yarder. Marques Colston caught his fourth touchdown pass of the season. Tailbacks Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush were terrific in the first and fourth quarters. Offensive tackle Jammal Brown committed two costly holding penalties, but the Saints did not surrender a sack.




DEFENSE

3 fleur de lis.

That third quarter was equally forgettable for the defense. After shutting down dangerous Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb in the first half, the Saints gave up 21 straight points to start the second half, including a 60-yard touchdown pass from McNabb to Reggie Brown. But the Saints clamped down when they had to in the fourth quarter. Former Eagles tackle Hollis Thomas had a satisfying sack in the first quarter. Defensive end Charles Grant had back-to-back big plays in the fourth. Linebacker Scott Fujita had a sack, made a game-high eight tackles and intercepted a Hail Mary pass before halftime. The secondary was mostly solid in coverage against the Eagles, who love the deep ball. Safety Omar Stoutmire struggled on a few occasions in his first start of the season in place of injured rookie Roman Harper. One notable problem: This defense still is not forcing turnovers. Fujita's interception barely counts, and the Eagles' other turnover came on special teams.



SPECIAL TEAMS

3½ fleur de lis.

The unsung heroes of this season so far, the special teams once again made a huge play late in the second quarter when Terrance Copper recovered a muffed punt return by Philadelphia's Dexter Wynn. The coverage units were solid all game. The return game showed signs of life. Punter Steve Weatherford was above average. And kicker John Carney is off to one of the best starts of his 17-year career. Carney's 31-yard field goal as time expired was his 14th winner.



COACHING

3½ fleur de lis.

The Saints continue to surprise every week, with their performance and their poise and confidence in big-time matchups. The Saints jumped to a 17-3 lead. Then after falling behind they were completely unfazed, and came back for the victory. Brees pointed out after the game that Coach Sean Payton had an impressive record against the Eagles as an offensive coordinator in the past. That success continued Sunday.

-- By Mike Triplett


http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index...610.xml&coll=1

RE: Grading the Game
 

Offense - B+, better than most expected...looked flat in 3rd quarter, O-line panlties a killer at times
Defense - C, 1st half was awesome...3rd quarter was not...4th quarter got better stiffer and stronger pass rush
Special Teams - A, no turnovers...kept strangle hold on field position most of the game

RE: Grading the Game
 

I'd also give a B to the offense. Looked like their timing was off in the 3rd quarter, but I can't say enough about that last drive. Killer

The defense I'd give a B also. I know they let Philly back in the game, but they came through when it counted. You have to remember this was the #1 rated offense in the NFL. If we can win against these guys I think we have a shot at beating anyone.

I agree the special teams are the unsung hero's of this season. Can't give them anything lower than an A.

Coaching is an A too. The man is genius.

RE: Grading the Game
 

the game went as scripted. big plays on each side. we played well enough in 3/4 of the game to win against a good team. 5 all around from me.

..here's my grade for the game:

W

That's what I'm talkin' bout...

Oh, it was a hellova three quarters. That third quarter was flatlining till Joe Horn got the paddles out and defib'd us all. Fun Fact: I think this was the 1st time this year we allowed the opponent to score in the 2nd quarter (and it was only a FG). Brees is killing in the 4th quarter. Ca-ching!

Offense-B+
Defense-B
Spec. Teams-B+
Coaching-A++++(We finally got a real coach that knows how to gameplan)

I had the rare chance of seeing the game live.

Offence - B - Was hot to start but totally went off with a few 3 and outs. Good to see them come straight back after going behind and great time management at the end.

Defence - C+ - Probably wouldn't be so low but after being so good up to the half, they then go off big time. One thing I can't stand it's inconsistency.

Spec. Teams - B+ - Good on defending the returns and recovered the muff well.

Coaching - A - Finally a coach that brings belief to a team and doesn't settle for enough.

Not a lot of love for the offense in these grades. That 8:26 drive to kill the game and set up the winner was probably the most impressive drive in Saints history. Getting 27 legitimate points agianst one of the elite teams in the NFL and controling the tempo of the game for 45 minutes has to be given a grade of at least A-. To get an A, there needs to be fewer than 50% 3/4-outs.