PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

— This was a busy off-season of rebuilding for the Saints, and their top two draft picks on defense stood out with strong performances, particularly against the run last night. Hau’oli Kikaha (+3.1) and Stephone Anthony (+2.5) both earned the highest grades of their young NFL careers last night, and led the New Orleans’ defense with a combined 11 stops. Each of them added a sack, taking down Brandon Weeden (+0.1) after he was moved out of the pocket by other pressure.

— Sometimes as a quarterback, you have to take advantage of your good fortune in having bad plays nullified—that’s exactly what Drew Brees (+0.9) did last night. An interception, a dropped interception and another miss were all nullified by penalties last night, leaving Brees’ passing grade on non-nullified plays at +3.8. When the plays stood, Brees was on point; particularly on intermediate and deep throws, compiling a stat line of five-of-seven, 167 yards and the game-winning touchdown (+4.7 PFF passing grade) on passes aimed 10 or more yards in the air.

— Playing corner in the NFL is a tough gig, and the difficulties in terms of performance and perception were highlighted very well by the night Delvin Breaux (+1.1) had in coverage. Targeted nine times by Brandon Weeden, Breaux surrendered only two catches, but one of those was the game-tying touchdown at the end of regulation. Prior to that, Breaux stood up to a barrage of deep throws, winning more than he lost, cutting off routes and preventing the receiver from reaching the target point; but his eventual loss in coverage will be what sticks in the mind.

Top performers:

OLB Hau’oli Kikaha (+3.1)

WR Willie Snead (+3.1)

HB C.J. Spiller (+2.9)

LB Stephone Anthony (+2.5)

DT John Jenkins (+2.4)

My takeaway: I believe we might just have us some bada$$ linebackers!

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Good work by all but Kikaha specifically ... those record number of sacks (I think 19 in college) don't appear to be a fluke. This kid is on pace for 15 this season.

Is it too early to call him K Sizzle :p?

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

I think it's worth mentioning that Ingram had a solid night. I believe there is something to the theory of giving him touches to gain momentum. If God forbid Robinson went down I think Ingram would really shine.

Also Evans was not missed. Our line wasn't great but it wasn't when he was playing.

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

I occasionally check out WalterFootball.com for his draft prospect coverage and it's always funny going back and reading his draft grades when he's completely wrong. He HATED us picking Kikaha in the 2nd round and this is what he said:

WHOA... I didn't even have Hau'oli Kikaha being drafted, and there were teams that didn't even have him on their boards because of numerous knee injuries. The Saints could've A) obtained safer players who are close in terms of talent, or B) waited several rounds to draft Kikaha. This is a major head-scratcher.

I was critical of us picking Kikaha in the 2nd round as well, but what do I know?! I'm sure glad I was wrong.

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Should have drafted a PK

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Dallas injuries took a toll for sure. Spiller TD direct result of it. It took all those starters coming out and a couple of dropped gift picks to squeak it out...I'll take it but that many fortunate circumstances happening again, if that's what it takes we are in trouble. Even getting the OT coin flip was huge, Dallas was worn out.

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Well today(so far only today) I got to eat a little crow on Anthony. I'll give him credit were credit is due. He filled his gap assignment well and called a decent enough game. The guy still has a long way to go though, Dallas was depleted on both sides of the ball but maybe(maybe) this is the type of game needed to build a little confidence on. I'm still not close to being sold on his pick but it's up to him wheather I eat more crow or not.

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Dead on I believe. Maybe breaking the seal on finally winning will jump start this team, we'll see.

Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys
 

Complete grades...