The New Orleans Saints dropped their third straight game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. As the result indicates, they didn’t play their best, which is reflected in the weekly stock report.
Despite that, some players impressed and made the most of a bleak game. While they won’t get the headlines this week, their performance deserves praise.
That said, here are two winners and three losers from the Saints’ week five loss against the Vikings.
Two unlikely candidates lead the Saints' winners.
Ryan Wright
One benefit of an ugly offensive game is the opportunity for an elite punter performance, which Ryan Wright had. The veteran averaged an impressive 57.3 yards on his four punts, including a booming 64-yard one. His ability to flip the field and force the Vikings to have long drives was invaluable for a struggling defense.
Contrary to prior years, the Saints have their answer at punter. Wright’s four-year, $14 million contract, which he signed this offseason, looks like a steal. His consistently pinning the opposing offense deep will quietly be a huge factor in games.
CJ Donaldson
CJ Donaldson didn’t do anything game-breaking, only tallying four carries for 13 yards. However, his pass blocking was invaluable and helped keep Tyler Shough to just one sack. Yes, he was under constant pressure, but there would’ve been far more if Donaldson didn’t pick up the untouched linebackers or defensive backs.
Additionally, he flashed potential as a short-yardage power back. Don’t be surprised to see Donaldson more as the season progresses.
Kellen Moore headlines the "losers" from week five.
Kellen Moore
Losing is one thing, but losing weekly because of recurring issues is a major problem that must be addressed. The team doesn't have energy, which is evident in their slow starts. Additionally, they haven’t been able to finish a game since week two.
Kellen Moore is officially in the hot seat and must improve to keep his job.
Alvin Kamara
It’s tough to write, but Alvin Kamara isn’t a dynamic threat anymore. The veteran had three carries for 12 yards and two receptions for negative six yards on Sunday. His locker room leadership makes him an invaluable player, but he will take a backseat in the offense when Travis Etienne returns.
Daniel Carlson
Nobody won the Saints kicking battle this offseason; instead, both Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown lost it. As a result, they brought in Daniel Carlson, who’s been serviceable up until this point. However, the veteran missed a crucial extra point to give New Orleans a lead in the second half.
Carlsson isn’t the long-term answer at kicker, which was known before this. But his performance solidified that further and questions if he's the short term answer. The Saints will yet again be in the kicker market next offseason, if not earlier.
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