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New Orleans – Three Performances of Note

Rare Chance to Shine

With Drew Brees sitting this one out, it was an opportunity for current third-stringer Ryan A. Griffin to get extensive playing time, and possibly even show he can push veteran Luke McCown for the backup QB job. After a mediocre outing against St. Louis, he performed much better this week (+3.3), going 13-of-20 for 179 yards and two TDs, including three drops by his receivers. His favorite area to target was in the middle of the field within 9 yards of the line of scrimmage, completing all seven attempts in that area, including both of his touchdown passes. He was at his most effective when blitzed (+2.7), demonstrating good composure, and completing six of eight passes for 140 yards and a stellar QB rating of 156.3. It never hurts to have good depth at QB, even if he may be stuck for a while behind a guy like Brees.

It’s a Slam Dunk

While the debate may continue as to what position Jimmy Graham plays, his effectiveness (in the red zone in particular) is indisputable, and the mismatches he creates on the field were on full display against the Titans. He finished with five catches (on six targets) for 48 yards and two touchdowns in just 28 snaps of work. Although, for good measure, he also managed four penalties, including two of the goalpost-dunk variety that probably won’t go over too well with Sean Payton once the regular season starts. Regardless if it was a safety (Bernard Pollard) or linebacker (Avery Williamson), Graham was able to victimize the Titans’ defense almost at will, and he will no doubt be one of Brees’ top weapons once the season gets underway.

More Left Guard Issues

After showing a lot of promise last week, Senio Kelemete (-4.3 overall) turned in a performance that he, and probably the Saints, would like to forget. He struggled in both the run and passing game, but was especially exposed by the Titans’ run defenders (-3.8 in run blocking). He also committed two penalties. His inability to hold blocks at the point of attack was especially striking, but he didn’t perform much better when asked to pull or block in space. Although the Saints struggled in run blocking across the board (-11.0), it seemed like Kelemete was at the center of the action whenever a Saints’ run play got blown up.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...season-week-2/