TallySaint

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

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.