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The New Orleans Saints’ Keenan Lewis isn’t shy about telling people where he thinks he ranks among the league’s cornerbacks.

Ask him, and he’ll tell you he’s one of the best.

While he might not get the recognition he deserves in other parts of the country, he strengthened his case — or made outsiders more aware of the case he has been making the past two seasons — by piecing together what might have been his best performance of the season during Thursday’s 28-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

It’s difficult to know where to even start when discussing Lewis’ performance. You could start with the pass he broke up that he had no business breaking up with 2:57 remaining in the first quarter, a play that likely saved a touchdown.

Lewis was on left side of the field for the play and was without an assignment. On the right side, Jerricho Cotchery was breaking down the seam with Rafael Bush in coverage. For whatever reason, Bush released Cotchery, and there was no one else in coverage. From the other side of the field, Lewis broke toward the goal line and managed to break the play up.

Sure, Lewis benefitted from a floated pass by Cam Newton, but his recognition was impressive.

We could also talk about the several passes he broke up or how he allowed only two receptions over eight targets, and that both receptions required high effort from the receivers.

Or we could talk about how he ran many of rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin’s routes better than Benjamin did, essentially erasing him from the game. (Only one of Benjamin’s catches came with Lewis in coverage.)

But, really, it needs to be seen to be appreciated. And on a national stage Thursday night, he made sure plenty of people saw what he’s been talking about.


Read more: Saints film study: Keenan Lewis’ breakout night highlights strong showing in win at Carolina | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

K Major

Kennan has been pretty solid for us over the last two seasons.
Outside of Sproles, I can't think of any better FA acquisition from the Saints in a long, long time.

SaintnDE

J.Byrd?

oh wait...

SaintLeonard

Unfair to criticize Byrd imo. NOBODY on our defense played well (no, not even KLew) in those first 5 weeks. I would almost be willing to bet that if Byrd was still healthy, he would be playing a lot better now that our defense has figured things out.

Byrd is one of the best safeties in the game. That doesn't just disappear. He'll be back and playing at a high level next year.

SaintnDE

Not criticizing Byrd as a player; he was refering to FA aquisitions which he has provided...well nothing.

SaintLeonard

He hasn't really had a chance to yet. I still think Byrd was a great FA signing. It will pay off eventually.

lumm0x

Byrd was one of the players actually doing something on defense the first few weeks. We would surely be better off right now with him.

But Keenan Lewis was one of our best defensive FA pick ups in a long time. Lofton has been another.

ScottF

that one guy, Beers, no, wait
BREES, that's it!

He was a good pick up

Utah_Saint

Meh...

He's too short. He'll never make it in the big leagues.

dizzle88

Plus he's not got a jamarcus Russell type arm, so he can't launch it 70 yards down field.