Saints Get Good Marks during 2009 Preseason Opener

By Spawn  |   Saturday, August 15, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

New Orleans Saints
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Friday night, I watched the New Orleans Saints play in their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals which was played at the Superdome. I understand that this is the preseason and the team won the game 17-7, however I have some concerns.

Here are my grades on the team’s performance throughout the night.

Offense (B+) – In the early going, the passing game seemed to be a bit off, but it got on track as the night went on. The Saints also proved that they may have found some balance with a decent ground game as well.

Passing (B+) – Early in the game, quarterback Drew Brees seemed to be a bit out of sync with some of his receivers but he would definitely catch on as time went on. Tight end Jeremy Shockey looked real good as he would catch three passes for 61 yards including a 22-yard laser strike for a score between a pair of defenders from Brees.

Backup quarterback Mark Brunell definitely established himself as the number two guy by completing nine of 13 passes for 128 yards including a 64-yard strike to wideout Robert Meachem. The Saints’ receiver position is one of the deepest areas on the team and the competition in that area is fierce.

Rushing (B-) – The Saints ran the ball very effectively and may have found a diamond in the rough in running back Lynell Hamilton. Hamilton ran the ball very well with some very punishing runs up the middle. The only problem with this that he fumbled the ball twice including one on the goal line in which he would have scored on the play.

Offensive Line (A+) -- This unit did their job as a whole by providing excellent pass protection along with opening up some holes in running game.

Defense (C+) – Throughout the game, the Saints’ front seven are a force to be reckoned with, but at the same time, but the same problems in the secondary still persists. Hopefully, new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is able to make the crucial adjustments with the new additions to the secondary.

Defensive Line (A+) – This group did an excellent job in both the pass rush and against the run as they were led by bookends Will Smith and Charles Grant. There is a lot of depth in this group.

Linebackers (A+) – The linebackers did a real good job throughout the game as they were instrumental in a pair of takeaways. Jonathan Vilma was definitely large and in charge as he returned a recovered fumble for 47 yards and an interception return for 65 yards only to fumble it on the Bengals four yard line.

Defensive Backs (D-) – It is apparent that the secondary has not resolved their issues stemming over the past couple of years. Most notably, cornerback Jason David was victimized throughout the course of the game by both Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco. Especially Henry who caught seven passes for 100 yards and a score in this game. It is very possible that David may not make it through the preseason (or after this game) in a Saints uniform.

Special Teams (C+) – Placekicker Garrett Hartley struggled early in the game as he has missed a 20 yard field goal. But later on in the game, he would redeem himself with a 54-yard field goal with yardage to spare.
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