With Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game in the books, coaches are now looking over tape, looking for standout players in the team’s 17-10 victory. Although many positives came out of the contest, there were some players that didn’t live up to expectations.
SAINTS
Mark Ingram
Ingram, even with limited playing time, looked very impressive and, most importantly, healthy during last night’s game. Even though his statistics weren’t all too impressive (14 yards on 4 carries), Ingram had a quick first step out of the backfield and found running lanes very easily during the first drive of the game, leading to a touchdown. If Ingram can build upon his performance against Arizona, look out.
Sedrick Ellis/Martez Wilson
Spagnuolo’s philosophy of applying pressure on the quarterback from the defensive line certainly has been accepted by both Ellis and Wilson. On multiple occasions throughout the game, the two defensive linemen harassed the Arizona quarterbacks pretty consistently. Ellis looked like a new player, forcing pressure on starter Kevin Kolb, which eventually led to the quarterback’s dismissal. The newly converted Wilson chipped in with 1.5 sacks. The new found pressure from these two players is a great sign for a defense trying to make a name for itself.
Travaris Cadet
The little known Cadet, an undrafted rookie running back from Appalachian State, led the team in receiving, amassing 80 yards on 8 catches and scoring what would be the clinching touchdown. Although he is buried on the depth chart at running back, Cadet made a positive impression last night, and will certainly get more opportunities moving forward both in the backfield and on special teams.
SINNERS
Will Smith
Smith played an ok game, but didn’t get on the stat sheet with any tackles or sacks. His whiffed tackle on Cards’ RB LaRod Stephens-Howling was perhaps the highlight (lowlight?) of his evening. He isn’t going anywhere on the depth chart, but Smith should be able to make those sorts of plays.
Chris Ivory
Although his position on the running back depth chart will remain unscathed, Chris Ivory’s performance Sunday was mediocre at best. Averaging just 1.4 yards on 9 carries, Ivory failed to make much of an impact. Even though Ivory had one bright spot (a 15 yard reception), he needs to be more of an impact runner in order for the Saints’ running game to reach its full potential.
Andy Tanner
Picking nits here. Tanner, a long shot to make the roster, had a very solid evening statistically, catching four balls for 75 yards. His fumble, however (one of three for the Saints), doesn’t help his cause for more playing time. With Joe Morgan and Adrian Arrington locked in a battle for the fifth receiver spot, Tanner’s position might sink even lower.
