Saints PFF grades confirm what we already knew, defense is stronger

After taking down the Patriots by a score of 28-13, the New Orleans Saints moved to 2-1 and continued to show that they’ll be a defensive-minded team this year. Pro Football Focus grades proved just that, as four of the five highest-graded players take snaps on the defensive side of the ball.

Per PFF, the five highest-graded Saints this week were Malcolm Jenkins, Marshon Lattimore, Marquez Callaway, Demario Davis, and Cameron Jordan.

• Jenkins had the pick-six off of rookie Mac Jones to kick off the second half.
• Lattimore was targeted nine times and allowed just four catches for 42 yards while picking off Jones once. He also led the team in tackles with 10 on the day.
• Callaway finally had the kind of game we all expected from him, hauling in four receptions for 41 yards and his first NFL touchdown.
• Davis was a freak of nature as always with seven tackles and two defended passes. He was flying all over the field, as per usual.
• Jordan had three tackles and three hits on Jones.

The Saints’ defense is the highlight of the team.

On Sunday against the Patriots, New Orleans made things rough for Jones. He had yet to turn the ball over through his first two games but threw three picks and was sacked twice. It was a rough day for the rookie out of Alabama and the Saints defense is to thank for that.

The best news about seeing these guys as the top performers for the NOLA defense is that they’re all under contract for the foreseeable future. Lattimore was extended ahead of Week 1 (though we didn’t find out about it until after that game), so the defense should be good past this year.

Now all New Orleans has to get figured out is the most important position in sports — Quarterback. Jameis Winston has been serviceable but he’s going to have to be better if this team wants to be a playoff contender.