The New Orleans Saints pulled off their second win of the season against the New York Giants on Sunday, led by playmakers on defense taking the ball away and a strong run and backfield game on offense.
Even though the Giants surged late, several Saints players graded out well in the matchup. Leading the way was underrated free agency signing and veteran cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., a player that may have performed himself into more minutes in the future.
Here are the highest- and lowest-graded Saints’ from the team’s 34-27 Week 6 victory.
Highest Graded
CB Martin Emerson Jr. – 88.4
DL Vernon Broughton – 83.7
S Jonas Sanker – 79.0
RT Taliese Fuaga – 75.0
RB Alvin Kamara – 73.4
Emerson was one of the stars of the day despite being called into action after starting cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry had to leave with a migraine.
On top of two players with interceptions, Emerson broke up a pair of passes and piled on seven tackles as well. The veteran cornerback looks to have found a system that allows his physicality to shine as a 6-foot-2 cornerback.
Broughton wound have had an even better day if not for a helmet-to-helmet collision cost him a sack on Giants passer Jameis Winston.
Sanker had an all-around solid day with two tackles including a run stop and no targets allowed as the closest defender on a pair of targets.
Fuaga and Kamara’s grades further reflect what was a strong day for the run game. But Fuaga also held his own in the passing game, surrendering only one pressure, and Kamara graded out well both as a receiver (he had an impressive catch-and-run receiving touchdown) and pass blocking.
Lowest Graded
EDGE Cameron Jordan – 41.3
TE Juwan Johnson – 45.2
RB CJ Donaldson – 47.1
LT Asim Richards – 47.5
LB Danny Stutsman – 49.5
Jordan had just one pressure, a hit, on the day. But was also credited as the nearest defender in a 15-yard reception, which had a negative impact on his grade. He did notch a run stop with no missed tackles.
Donaldson was penalized from an impactful fumble, Richards was dinged for back-to-back penalties, two pressures allowed and a low run blocking grade, and Stutsman was credited with a whopping four missed tackles. His tackling has seen a considerable drop off since last season.
Johnson was the lowest-graded offensive player because of a 14.8 pass blocking grade despite the fact that he’s credited without hurries, hits or sacks, he is still credited with a pair of pressures. He was not called for any penalties in the passing game either.
