ChrisXVI

Saints:

–Rookie OLB Hau’oli Kikaha got the start for the Saints and did not disappoint. He hit the quarterback once and recorded an additional pressure on his way of picking up a game-high +2.1 pass-rush grade. In addition, he also racked up three stops to prove his value against the run as well.

–While Kikaha excelled, fellow rookie OT Andrus Peat showed that he is still a work in progress. In pass protection he allowed one quarterback hit and one pressure, while in the run game he finished tied for the lowest run-blocking grade on the Saints.

–After the game Bill Belichick expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the Patriots don’t have to face Brandin Cooks twice a year, and this is absolutely understandable looking at Cooks’ performance Saturday night. The second-year wide receiver recorded a reception against three different Patriots defenders and averaged 29.3 yards per catch. Saints QBs had a perfect passer rating when throwing to him.

Top 5 graded players:

Cameron Jordan +4.1

Drew Brees +3.1

Hau’oli Kikaha +3.0

Brandin Cooks +2.7

Terron Armstead +1.9