Pro Football Focus grades Saints at Chiefs

By Ross Jackson

Another rough performance for the New Orleans Saints in their third-straight loss, and the Pro Football Focus grades reflect it. The team’s top performing players for the first time this season include no players with a grade of 75 or higher. But a worthy player leads the day. foster Moreau has been highlighted here at LouisianaSports.Net as someone that should more involved, and on Monday night he indeed was. 

Top 5

TE Foster Moreau – 74.9

DE Carl Granderson – 74.5

QB Derek Carr – 72.5

CB Paulson Adebo – 69.5

CB Marshon Lattimore – 66.4

Moreau is the player we’ve highlighted before as someone that should be a greater focus in the passing game. He had a solid day blocking throughout the bout with the Kansas City Chiefs. But his best moment came on a touchdown reception from Carr. Like the old Raiders days, the two connected in Arrowhead Stadium for a score off of a great Y-leak type of release by Moreau. 

The tight end sold the block and then left his defender in the dust for a wide-open touchdown catch. Carr said that he had two reads ahead of Moreau but found him quickly for the touchdown pass. Hopefully this game is a sign of things to come for the tight ends, who looked to finally be a part of the passing game again.

Granderson only created two pressures against the Chiefs, but he was an active tackler and run stopper throughout. He was credited with seven solo tackles along with five stops in the run game. He did not miss a tackle despite his frequent work in the area, which was reflected in his grade.

Carr opened the game with an interception on the first drive and had less efficient passing numbers than usual this week, but still ranks No. 3 among Saints players. Even his less efficient numbers were fine. 64.3% completion rate, two touchdown passes to the one interception and two big time throws versus his one turnover worthy pass (per PFF). Carr’s day didn’t pass many eye tests, mine included, but with the struggles on both sides of the ball, his lower-than-usual grade still ranks him highly.

Lattimore and Adebo close out the top five. Lattimore’s game was particularly strong. He drew no targets because of his tight coverage, added a pressure and a trio of stops in the run game. He did get called for one penalty, which was declined. Adebo was also active against the run and added a hit and hurry on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He did miss a tackle and surrendered another critical pass interference penalty though. But despite being targeted six times, he allowed just three receptions for 20 receiving yards with a long of 14. He added a pass breakup and forced a mere 57.4 passer rating when targeted.

Bottom 5

S Jonathan Abram – 35.8

RG Landon Young – 32.2

LB Anfernee Orji – 32.1

DT Nathan Shepard – 29.4

OL Lucas Patrick – 28.1

The Saints’ offensive line went through it all evening thanks to Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. That is reflected in these lower grades. Patrick, who played both center and left guard, along with Young at right guard both scored low after allowing four or more pressures. Young also allowed one sack. 

Both Orji and Abram slipped in grading due to a combination of two core things. First: missed tackles. Both missed a pair of tackles which led to Abram having a 25 percent missed tackle rate on defense after going into the game in relief of starting safety Will Harris Jr. who left with a hamstring injury. Coverage was the other key factor. Abram allowed a reception on his only target for 13 receiving yards. Orji also surrendered a catch on all six targets that went his way for 51 receiving yards and a 102.1 passer rating. 

Shepherd, who has quietly been one the team’s most effective defensive linemen, had a tough game. His score was widely impacted by playing 41 total defensive snaps while achieving no pressures. He was also dinged for his run defense. Despite not missing any tackles, he was not credited with a single run stop in 19 run defense reps.