The New Orleans Saints’ first preseason game provided a long list of standouts despite their 24-20 loss.
A number of players passed the eye test with many of them passing Pro Football Focus’s grading scale as well.
Highest
- STAR Jayden Price – 95.3
- CB Martin Emerson Jr. – 90.9
- LB Jaylan Ford – 90.8
- DL Christen Miller – 90.5
- OL Easton Kilty – 86.7
Price was the highest graded player of the day with an impressive grade. He was clearly one of the top players coming out of the game as well.
He had two passes defended, including a pass breakup and an interception, a pressure on his only pass rush snap and didn’t allow a single catch on his three targets.
A great day of work and some exciting tape for the budding defender.
Emerson had a strong day as well, which matches his recent training camp output.
Lately, he’s turned from being a player that is always near the ball, to being the reason the ball finds its way to the ground or into the hands of the defense.
He continued that momentum with a trio of pass breakups and by allowing just a 44.8 passer rating when targeted in the preseason opener.
On top of Ford’s interception in the opening defensive drive, he added seven total tackles and a hit on the quarterback. What isn’t graded though, is his outstanding communication and orchestration of the defense.
With starting backers Kaden Elliss, Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman not dressed out, Ford was the primary communicator. He excelled in the role.
Miller was a dominant presence on the interior throughout the game. He had three run stops on the day and added a pressure as well. His film is fun to watch as he was a consistent nuisance in the middle of the trenches and often found ways to muddy the picture in the run game.
He had to leave with a shoulder injury, but if he stays healthy and available once he adjusts to the NFL game, he’ll be a major asset for the team’s defense.
Lowest
- EDGE Malakai Williams – 29.6
- TE Moliki Matavao – 33.3
- DL Khalil Saunders – 40.5
- CB Isaac Yiadom – 43.3
- OL Jeremiah Wright – 45.4
The lowest grades have a slightly more even split of offense and defense with a second offensive player sneaking into the mix.
Williams and Saunders in the defensive line were mostly graded down for their run defense. But they are also among the newest players to the team. So no need to harp on their performances.
Matavao was a surprising underwhelmer in his first preseason action of the season. He’s made a number of plays in training camp and appears poised to challenge for a roster spot if the Saints choose to keep four tight ends.
He may have suffered more from the inefficiencies of the offense early than anything else.
Yiadom has been on the wrong side of a number of highlights throughout camp thus far. He was credited with surrendering two catches for 28 yards against Jacksonville with both receptions going for more than 10 receiving yards.
Wright, the rookie offensive lineman brought a lot of energy and juice to the field, but let up two pressures on his pass blocking reps, one of only two players credited with multiple pressures surrendered.
Neither pressure got to the quarterback, even for a hit, but the continued work in the pass blocking game will be beneficial for the rookie.
