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Saints Report Card vs. Washington Football Team, Week 5

The New Orleans Saints' performance report card from their victory over the Washington Football Team on Sunday, Oct. 10.
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The New Orleans Saints' performance report card from their victory over the Washington Football Team on Sunday, Oct. 10.

 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2)

OFFENSE (B-)

Quarterback (B-)

  • Winston recorded a 15/30 (50%), 279 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 1 Fumble, and 108.2 QBR performance against Washington.
  • To be fair, Winston's interception and fumble were results of poor blocking from two stalwarts - Ramczyk and Peat.
  • Ball security and 50% throwing could have contributed in a much lower grade, but in WINSTON BALL, it's not weighed as heavily.
  • Taysom Hill's injury (concussion) could be an issue going forward.

Running Backs (B)

  • Kamara was the main bellcow after the injuries to Tony Jones Jr. and Dwayne Washington was dinged up in the game.
  • Kamara Rushing: 71 yards off of 16 carries and 1 touchdown scamper.
  • Finally got him involved in the passing attack.
  • Winston had Kamara open several times underneath where the All-Pro running back could've inflicted more damage on Washington.
  • Even after the bye week, the offense should continue to run through Kamara.

Receivers (B-)

  • Marquez Callaway, Alvin Kamara, and Deonte Harris found the endzone in the passing game.  
  • Winston's bombs to Callaway and Harris were backbreakers for WFT.
  • The tight ends again were not a factor. Although Trautman's 32-yard reception setup the Saints into scoring position in the 4th quarter.  Johnson was targeted once.   Better blocking for the tight ends in Week 5.
  • Kamara Receiving: 5 receptions on 8 targets (a couple of drops), 51 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Offensive Line (C)

  • What's going on with Ramczyk is highly alarming.   For four games, the newly-minted high-dollar OT is getting pushed around by speed rushers.
  • Peat stepped on Winston's foot and contributed to the intercepted pass.
  • If McCoy and Armstead can return in a few weeks, the o-line will rebound.
  • Throckmorton, Clapp, and Hurst have done their best considering the injuries.


New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23)

DEFENSE (B-)

Defensive Line (B-)

  • Cam Jordan has a five-game sack drought.  RED FLAG
  • Besides 3 QB hits from linebacker Demario Davis, the defensive line could only sack Heinicke once (Granderson), and register 5 QB hits (Kapassagnon-2, Granderson-2, Jordan-1).
  • No 100-yard rusher.  Still, the WFT rushers has 33 carries for 131 yards for a 4.0 yards/carry average and 2 touchdowns.

Defensive Backs (B-); Lattimore (A-)

  • Lattimore was outstanding with six passes defended against McLaurin.
  • 12 passes defended as a unit.
  • 2 interceptions (Paulson Adebo and P.J. Williams)
  • Adebo notched his second interception of the season.  Both within the redzone.
  • Safeties were up and down at times.  Gardner-Johnson has not had a "Ceedy Duce" type game in quite some time.

Linebackers (B+)

  • Cudos to the Rook!  Another double-digit tackling game by the rookie Pete Werner.  Last week 10 tackles, this week 13 tackles.   
  • Demario is Demario: 8 tackles, 1 sack, 3 QB Hits, 1 TFL
  • Both Davis and Werner had a so-so day in pass coverage, Demario was flagged once with a PI, but an above-average outing.
New Orleans Saints punter Blake Gillikin. Credit: USA TODAY

SPECIAL TEAMS (B); Blake Gillikin (A+++)

  • New nickname for P Blake Gillikin: "PIN'EM DEEP GILLIKIN!"
  • Gillikin saved the Saints by giving Washington poor field position. 3 punts were downed - not inside the 20- or 10-yard lines - but the inside the five-yard line!
  • He totaled 268 yards and his five punts averaged 53.6 yards.  The longest was 60 yards.  
  • Harris had one kickoff return for 26 yards, Kamara caught 3 punts and returned 29 yards.
  • Parkey missed 2-of-3 extra points, which could have been costly in a tight contest.
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton

COACHING (B-)

  • The game plan was not complex, but it worked.
  • Sean Payton is adapting to Winston; but...the offense was out of sync at times.
  • It was the second-consecutive week Coach Payton had a late play relayed to Winston that resulted in a penalty. Another late call forced a timeout.
  • More adaptation:  Winston's clear miss of Hogan on a third-down play is an example the Saints QB is not as accurate as Brees - HOWEVER - Brees wasn't as accurate as Winston downfield.
  • Payton lost a challenge.  Not a surprise.
  • Would he be forced to find another kicker this week after Parkey's two extra-point misses.
  • 4-of-11 in 3rd down efficiency was 4
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway (1) celebrates with New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2)

OVERALL GRADE (B)


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