By Ross Jackson
The only thing as highly scoring as the New Orleans Saints the last two weeks are the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades on their top performers from Sunday’s win. Impressive victories require impressive performances, and the Saints did not lack for those.
Here are the top and bottom grades from PFF from the team’s big win over the Dallas Cowboys:
Top 5
- Lucas Patrick, OL – 97.2
- Erik McCoy, OL – 92.2
- Demario Davis, LB – 91.4
- Chris Olave, WR – 91.0
- Derek Carr, QB – 91.0
Patrick has turned out to be one of the best acquisitions from the Saints’ offseason. His performance is particularly impressive knowing that he left the Week 1 game early with a an injury. Not only did he play through pain, but inflicted quite a bit of it himself, allowing no pressures against a talented Dallas Cowboys pass rush and laying out quite a few in the process.
McCoy looks right at home in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. His aggression, athleticism and IQ are all showcased in the system. His consistent play getting out ahead of the run game earned him particular high marks as a run blocker.
David is the physical embodiment of the phrase “aging like a fine wine.” Whether in coverage, run defense or pass rush, he is one of the league’s most reliable linebackers. His most eye-catching moment came on defending a pass while covering a running back down the right sideline.
While Carr lands on the No. 4 spot here, he has played like the NFL’s best passer to start the year. Carr has been efficient and aggressive, striking a perfect balance in his new offense. Carr currently leads the league in several major passing statistics.
Olave had a bigger impact in his Week 1 performance than he will be given credit. Week 2 however presented an irrefutable impact. With several impact receptions and his continued willingness as a run blocker, Olave is the selfless playmaker the team needs at wide receiver.
Bottom 5
- Ugo Amadi, S – 40.1
- Willie Gay Jr., LB – 44.5
- Bryan Bresee, DT – 46.3
- Kristian Boyd, DT – 49.8
- Adam Prentice, FB – 51.1
The only two players in the bottom 5 grades list that saw more than 13 offensive or defensive snaps are Prentice and Bresee. The interior defender being the more surprising. The 2023 first-round selection generated two pressures including a strip-sack on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
