There was much to like in the Saints 31-17 victory over Detroit. Here’s our weekly breakdown on who showed up to play and who didn’t in last week’s victory.
SAINTS
Drew Brees
Brees threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, including an epic 67-yard bomb to Robert Meachem. Outside of the first series, where the Saints went three and out, Brees sliced and diced the Lions defense, showing once again why he’s one of the NFL’s elite QBs.
Jimmy Graham
As the season rolls on, any shot of Graham’s success being a fluke has disappeared. Graham once again showed why he’s Brees’s favorite, hauling in eight catches for 89 yards, including a number of big-time third-down receptions.
Jonathan Vilma
Returning after a month-long absence due to a knee injury, Vilma immediately made his presence felt, making 10 tackles and helping to shut down Detroit’s running game.
SINNERS
Malcolm Jenkins
Though he accumulated seven tackles, Jenkins was slow to help on a number of long passes, as Detroit had five 20-yard-plus passing plays and two 40-plus pick-ups through the air.
Greg Williams
Once again, the Saints poor defensive play was masked by their prolific offensive, but the stat line speaks volumes about this team’s inability to stop potent offensives for gaining yards. The Lions not only outgained by the Saints, accumulating at total of 449 yards, but they also picked up a total of 25 first downs. Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams need to improve his squad’s play if the Saints are going to make a deep run in the playoffs.
