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| The Saints difference maker: Kenny Vaccaro |
ED Hardy's (almost) mid season Saints Grades
2013.
The Saints bye week is here and even though they're not yet at mid season yet, I feel like it's best to analyze the Saints ball-club as it stands now in 2013.Before I get into the nitty-gritty via the position group analysis, I want to say I am extremely surprised at The Saints overall record of 5-1. If you put me on the spot at the beginning of the season, at best I would say 3-3 after 6 games. The defense has performed better than we ever could've imagined, yet the offense has under performed (to Saints standards). Still, look at The Saints record, baffling. Daddy is indeed back (Coach Payton) and his presence alone has stole wins versus Atlanta and at Tampa. This team has moxie, something it lacked severely last season. Granted, DC Rob Ryan deserves a ton of credit, but lady luck has played a major factor in all of this early season success. The opposition dropping passes, ball bouncing the right way, or perhaps it's just good schematics. Doesn't matter, we all relish where the Saints are this point.
Now it's going to my Saints mid season grades per position groups.
Quarterbacks – Drew Brees has not been the Drew Brees of 2012, however that is a good thing as he does not have to carry the entire team load as years past. While flawless at times this early-season, he has also been very ineffective in crucial times as well. One of the coach Payton's hardest tasks I assume is to calm Drew's "do it all mentality". This is so as the defense in 2013 is finally is playing like a defense. That being said, he still a top-five quarterback in the league. Any grade less than an A would ruin my reputation as an analyst and fan.
Grade- A-
Running backs- clearly a position of weakness on the Saints 2013 ball club. As far as finesse goes, this position group has that skill set as they can catch passes out of the backfield like no other. But that resembles just another glorified wide receiver a.k.a. Lance Moorish type. The Saints need runners period. Mark Ingram is a bust and is not the answer. Sproles is too small to be an effective every down back & Pierre Thomas does not get the touches he deserves. Only Khiry Robinson has lately earned Payton's trust as the short yardage move the chains on the ground back. But these yards on the ground are few and far between, and without an effective rushing attack, the Saints offense will become too predictable.
Grade C-
All receivers – again once a position of massive strength has now become a sneaky liability. Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston are killing it however their backups are severe question marks. Kenny Stills is hot and cold, Toon is nonexistent and Meacham needs to retire immediately. The injury to Lance Moore has hurt this squad more than anyone could expected as he is Drew Brees is Linus blanket. Still, when big plays need to happen, this position group has for the most part stood up.
Grade B
Offensive line-after really thinking about the offense, much of the blame probably goes to the right side of this line. RG Evans has been hurt and playing hurt which is really affected his play. Strief also has played hurt and he is not the future answer at right tackle. LG Ben Grubbs and LT Charles Brown have been quietly good on the left and beginning of the season "weaker left side". Face it, Saints fans have been spoiled for the last six years of stellar offensive line play. This year, the offensive line has shown its deficiencies but still, overall it is a decent group which will get healthier.
Grade C
Defensive line- after a rash of early-season injuries, Hicks, Jenkins, and Jordan have been nothing but spectacular. One of the reason the Saints defense has had so much success is because these front 3 are getting pressure on the quarterback with no blitzing help. Truly amazing with undrafted rookies Foster and Walker subbing in too.
Grade A+
Linebackers – this truly is the hardest position great to analyze. The Saints have typically only ran a two linebacker set for most of the season. That being said, Curtis Lofton has been a flat out tackling and covering machine. Who would have thought he had coverage skills? Hawthorne has manned the other LB position and has played effective against the run and pass as well. Their smarts have allowed the Saints secondary to carry another man upfront. Not going to lie here, I'm shocked at this position group success. But it is only because of the defensive back help.
Grade B
Secondary – S Kenny Vaccaro, Kenny Vaccaro, Kenny Vaccaro, Kenny Vaccaro and Kenny and MF Kenny Vaccaro. He has single-handedly changed the entire culture of this defense in one season. He covers receivers, he covers running backs, he makes textbook tackles, he breaks up passes, the kid does it all. Attitude. And the fact that corners Greer and Lewis have had on and off games, the safeties have really bailed the Sanints cornerbacks out. Vaccaro and Malcom Jenkins are like long-lost brothers. Both are cover corners, but both are better safeties great range and versatility. Roman Harper has been hurt but the Saints don't even need him anymore, and that is great in its own right. The backups have played well also.
Grade A-
Special teams – P Morestead is being Morestead, which is great. PK Hartley has been killing it with clutch kicks. Coverage and return units have also fared well, not a flashy position group but I tell you what, they have done very well this year.
Grade B+
Coaching- Sean Payton back at the helm. The team/franchise has its identity back and their unpredictability has caused nightmares for the opposition. The Saints will win more than they will lose, thank goodness daddy is back!
Grade A
Overall Mid season Saints GPA: 3.27
Ed Hardy out!!!
