After going over the tape and looking at the Saints’ performance against Houston last weekend, it is fair to say that this team has flashes of the 2009 squad that won it all. Consistent offensive output seems to be less of an issue, but defensive liabilities in the secondary continue to look like a point of concern.
Pass Offense: A
Drew Brees, despite throwing two interceptions, looked marvelous on Sunday. The second half performance by the offense was particularly impressive, where Brees posted three passing touchdowns. Every member of the receiving corps seemed to be involved, as Brees connected with eight different teammates.
Run Offense: B+
The running game on face value seemed to be less than impressive, only garnering 100 total net yards. However, the impressive 4.5 yards per attempt was the real story of the contest, as the effective rushing attack kept Houston’s defense in check and allowed for the passing attack to take charge. Darren Sproles continues to amaze, scoring on a long 30 yard scamper in the 2nd quarter. Rookie RB Mark Ingram contributed with points for the first time, scoring his first ever NFL touchdown in the 4th quarter to seal the win. Although the statistics aren’t mind-blowing, as long as the Saints are averaging around 4 yards per carry, the running game is doing its job.
Pass Defense: C-
The Saints’ pass defense, or lack thereof, was the most glaring negative coming away from Sunday. Andre Johnson has a field day against the secondary, catching 7 balls for 128 yards. The relatively unknown James Casey also found huge openings in the defense, catching 5 passes for 126 yards. A lack of pressure from the defensive line and poor coverage in the secondary are the main culprits in the defensive breakdown. Hopefully, the poor pass defense will be corrected as the season moves on.
Run Defense: C-
Ben Tate of the Texans was able to rush for 82 yards on 19 attempts, averaging around 4.3 yards per carry. Not great numbers for the Saints’ run defense. Nonetheless, the focus on passing the ball by Matt Schaub (he had 39 attempts), along with Arian Foster being on the sidelines, accounted for a lack of attention on the running game from Houston. With New Orleans making a comeback in the 2nd half, Houston was forced to pass more and abandon the conservative, running attack that the probably would have preferred. Nonetheless, allowing 4.3 yards per attempt isn’t great in any instance, and that has to be the focus for this week’s game, as the Saints face the always dangerous Maurice Jones-Drew.
Special Teams: A
Special teams continue to be solid for this year’s team. K John Kasay has been better than expected in Garrett Hartley’s absence. P Thomas Morstead, posting a 47.7 yards per punt average this week, continues to make his case for a Pro Bowl selection. Darren Sproles continues to be solid in punt and kickoff returns. This unit, disregarding the offensive passing game, is the most consistent on the entire team.
Coaching: A
The Saints looked out-of-place and unprepared for the Texans in the first half, surrendering gobs of yardage and 16 points. The offense came out looking flat and non-responsive. However, the halftime adjustments implemented by Sean Payton and his staff are the biggest reasons why this team in 2-1 and not 1-2. Coming out of the half attacking, on both offense and defense, is vintage Sean Payton football, and it provided the catalyst for changing the Saints’ first half misfortunes.
Bottom Line
Despite coming slow out of the gate, the New Orleans Saints showed why they are considered a great team in the NFL: although down, they have the ability to come back in a hurry. Not many teams can do that, especially against a potent offense like Houston. The Saints, however, shouldn’t make staging comebacks habitual. They are a better team than they showed on Sunday, and should prove so moving forward.
