Utah_Saint

With neither Sam Bradford nor Drew Brees suiting up for even the token one or two series, this might have been a dull matchup on paper, but instead it turned out to be quite an exciting and competitive game, featuring several touchdown passes and interceptions, 24 penalties, and a missed extra-point, among other interesting storylines.

Let’s examine some of the standout performances in a game where the backups and rookies took center stage.

New Orleans – Three Performances of Note

Cooking

All eyes were on Brandin Cooks as the first-round pick made his NFL debut in the midst of what’s been, by all accounts, an impressive first training camp. And he didn’t disappoint, as late in the third quarter (3:50) he turned a seven-yard pass into an electrifying 25-yard touchdown. Cooks made one cut and turned on the jets, making corner E.J. Gaines (who otherwise had an impressive debut himself with a +1.6 overall grade) look silly in the process. Expectations should be tempered, however, as that play and much of the production – five receptions for 55 yards – came after the Rams inserted their backups.

Picking Up Where He Left Off

After a monster preseason a year ago, injuries derailed what could have been a productive season for Tyrunn Walker. The Saints’ end is off to another blistering start this year, notching a +3.2 grade in 32 snaps. While he logged a sack rushing the passer, his best work came in the run game. His effort was particularly strong in the third quarter; at 9:00, he knifed through an attempted reach block to drop the ball-carrier 3 yards deep in the backfield. And then on consecutive third- and fourth-down plays, he denied the Rams first down yardage, beating the reaches of Sean Hooey to make the tackle. If this level of play continues – providing he stays healthy – Walker will surely see more than the 119 snaps he logged last season.

Depth at Tight End

While one tight end dominated headlines in New Orleans this offseason with his contract dispute, it was another tight end, second-year Josh Hill, who stood out in this game. The highlight came at 11:55 of the second quarter, when he took nearly took an 8-yard pass from midfield to the end zone, running through several tackles and showing off decent speed and elusiveness on the 50-yard gain. He added another first-down grab later in the game while also making a tackle during kick coverage.

As for Jimmy Graham, in his first action since signing his new deal, the TE added a first-down reception of his own, though his effort in run blocking was rather pathetic (though it’s never been his strength); see 12:35 of the first quarter. He expectedly finished the night with a meager 17 snaps.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...season-week-1/

Sounds like PFF was impressed with Josh Hill.

They also gave the game ball to Mark Ingram.