Grading Andy Dalton's performance from Week 7 loss to the Cardinals
We all knew that the Andy Dalton show had to end sometime and it looks like it might have come to a screeching halt on Thursday night when the New Orleans Saints lost 42-34 to the Arizona Cardinals on primetime television. Dalton proved that he, indeed, is not good in primetime games.
The first drive was promising, as Dalton capped off the drive with a 54-yard bomb to Rashid Shaheed, who battled his way into the end zone to put New Orleans on top in the blink of an eye.
It was basically all downhill from there though, unfortunately. On the next offensive drive, after Dalton and the run game got the team into the red zone, the Red Rifle threw an ill-advised pass that was picked off. Nearly nine minutes had been chewed off the clock on the drive and it ended with zero points.
What grade does Andy Dalton deserve for Week 7 performance?
The Saints scored on their next possession but it was the following two that lost them the game. Dalton threw a pass to Marquez Callaway that he bobbled and allowed it to be picked off and taken to the house. That one wasn't on Dalton but on the very next drive, he threw a bad pass that was also taken to the house for six points. That cannot happen to most teams if they want to win but for a struggling team like the Saints, it absolutely cannot happen.
Dalton's numbers look impressive on the night as he went 30-of-47 for 361 yards and four touchdowns but then you get to the three interceptions and remember why this team lost. Dalton hadn't lost the Saints games through his other three starts but this one was very much on his shoulders.
I'm giving Dalton an F for his performance in this game. Maybe that's harsh but the guy threw two really bad interceptions and took points off the board for his team while also gift wrapping the other team 12 easy points.
Next. All-Time Leaders in Passing Yards. dark
What grade do you think Andy Dalton deserves for his Week 7 performance?