New Orleans Saints: Handing out regular-season grades for each position

Overview

So, there you have it!

Overall, the strength of the Saints was with their defensive line. They consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and defended the run, which allowed Allen to sacrifice more resources in pass coverage.

Also, New Orleans surprisingly was better running the football than passing the ball, but that is more due to injuries than anything else.

In fact, the coaching efforts on both side of the ball was impressive, particularly with them dealing with multiple injuries at specific position groups of value- quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback.

On offense, I’d give the Saints a B- grade. They were expected to be one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, but their inability to produce big plays meant they averaged just the 13th-most yards/play.

Defensively, I’d give them an A-, considering they were a top-ten unit despite being tested with injuries.

Thus, overall, I’d say they ought to earn a B+. Yes, 12 games is impressive, but it actually is right around their expectation, especially since they benefitted from the fourth-best turnover luck.

Now, it is time for the playoffs! It will be fun to watch Brees go for a second Super Bowl title one last time, and despite the season-ending, it feels like we still don’t have a great grasp of this team.

With Thomas and Kamara expected back in the lineup this weekend, they should be close to full strength, meaning there aren’t any excuses: it is time for them to come through and achieve their goals; there really is no better time than playoff football!