PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys

ChrisXVI · 10-05-2015, 10:20 AM

— 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!

K Major · 10-05-2015, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI

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!

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

?

The Dude · 10-05-2015, 10:47 AM

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.

WillSaints81 · 10-05-2015, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by The Dude

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.

The same thing can be said for Spiller. And what solid night? He stalled a drive that could have led us to a blowout.

ChrisXVI · 10-05-2015, 10:51 AM

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.

Barry from MS · 10-05-2015, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI

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.

That pick got graded "F" initially if I remember right.

What I like so far: improvement from his mistake in the AZ game of allowing Palmer to break containment for a TD pass in Week 1 to now in Week 4's win. His play is actually showing results with Week-to-Week improvement quicker. Anthony's progression has been slower, but last night Anthony took a turn in the right direction for the first time this season.

vpheughan · 10-05-2015, 10:54 AM

Should have drafted a PK

Beastmode · 10-05-2015, 11:03 AM

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.

Mardigras9 · 10-05-2015, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Beastmode

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.

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

nola_swammi · 10-05-2015, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI

— 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!

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...in-saints-win/

10-05-2015, 10:20 AM	#1
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	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! jnormand, Danno, Beastmode and 2 others like this.
	"When you get into one of these groups, there's only a couple of ways you can get out. One, is death; the other, is mental institutions."

10-05-2015, 10:34 AM	#2
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,738 Blog Entries: 3	Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys Originally Posted by ChrisXVI 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! 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 ? dizzle88 and ctsaint01 like this.

10-05-2015, 10:47 AM	#3
The Dude 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 9,055	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. Beastmode likes this.
The Dude 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 9,055	Last edited by The Dude; 10-05-2015 at 10:50 AM..

10-05-2015, 05:47 PM	#4
WillSaints81 1000 Posts + Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,267	Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys Originally Posted by The Dude 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. The same thing can be said for Spiller. And what solid night? He stalled a drive that could have led us to a blowout. Rell&Gold likes this.

10-05-2015, 10:51 AM	#5
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	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. jnormand likes this.
	"When you get into one of these groups, there's only a couple of ways you can get out. One, is death; the other, is mental institutions."

10-05-2015, 01:03 PM	#6
Barry from MS Site Donor 2014 Join Date: May 2007 Location: TEMPO VC Okefenokee Swamp Posts: 1,985 Blog Entries: 2	Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys Originally Posted by ChrisXVI 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. That pick got graded "F" initially if I remember right. What I like so far: improvement from his mistake in the AZ game of allowing Palmer to break containment for a TD pass in Week 1 to now in Week 4's win. His play is actually showing results with Week-to-Week improvement quicker. Anthony's progression has been slower, but last night Anthony took a turn in the right direction for the first time this season. dizzle88 likes this.

10-05-2015, 10:54 AM	#7
vpheughan 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4,543	Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys Should have drafted a PK Rugby Saint II and ctsaint01 like this.
vpheughan 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4,543

10-05-2015, 11:03 AM	#8
Beastmode 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,126	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. Mardigras9 likes this.
Beastmode 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,126

10-05-2015, 12:16 PM	#9
Mardigras9 Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Land Mass between LA and AL Posts: 4,375	Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys Originally Posted by Beastmode 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. Dead on I believe. Maybe breaking the seal on finally winning will jump start this team, we'll see.

10-05-2015, 11:43 AM	#10
nola_swammi 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Monroe, La Posts: 2,627	Re: PFF Grades: Saints vs. Cowboys Originally Posted by ChrisXVI — 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! https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...in-saints-win/

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