Pro Football Focus Grades Saints vs. Panthers

The New Orleans Saints and their fanbase are all riding high after a dominating rout of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Each Monday morning, Pro Football Focus (PFF) releases their grades from the Sunday lineup, providing an in- depth look at the team’s performance. The Saints unveiled their new offense showing off much more play action, motion, aggressiveness and an efficient run game.

PFF’s grades highlight the success of the new offensive scheme as players on that side of the ball make up the vast majority of the highest grades while only one offensive player lands on the lowest grades list. However, there should be no doubt that the defense performed extremely well throughout. But perhaps the Saints could be teetering on the precipice of offense again leading the way in New Orleans.

Here are the highest and lowest PFF grades awarded from Sunday’s game:

TOP 5

1. Center Erik McCoy – 90.7
2. Tight end Juwan Johnson – 87.8
3. Quarterback Derek Carr – 87.5
4. Safety Tyrann Mathieu – 81.8
5. Running back Alvin Kamara – 81.6

McCoy was an absolute road grater all day long. His performance was so strong that even being whistled for a penalty did not drive his grade below 90. The team’s offensive line anchor was awarded a grade over 90 just once last season when he earned a 94.4 scoring in Week 5 against the New England Patriots – another blowout win. The Saints, however, are hoping that this beatdown of the Panthers is more of a symbol of their identity in 2024 than the mirage of a game against the Patriots in 2023

Not only did Johnson catch a touchdown pass in this one, but he also graded favorably as a run blocker and added a punt deflection. That play lifted him to also receiving the team’s highest special teams grade, a 93.5. His pair of catches totaled 26 receiving yards along with his touchdown snag. Johnson saw his snaps tick up a bit after fellow tight end  Foster Moreau left the game, but the Saints also deployed multiple tight ends on 26 of their 62 offensive plays.. 

Carr, without a doubt, played one of his best games as a Saint. His 82.6% completion rate was his highest since joining the team. His 200 passing yards were efficient, and his three passing touchdowns were the cherry on top. He had two more outstanding throws that were thwarted by incredible defensive plays. The day could have been even better. Any time a quarterback throws one fewer touchdown pass than incomplete pass, it will typically result in a stellar performance. Unless that touchdown number is 0, of course.

From the strip and fumble recovery on Panthers wideout Johnathan Mingo to his stout coverage and communication with the defense, Mathieu was outstanding on the field Sunday. He said in his postgame media availability that the offensive production’s impact made the defense feel like it was “lunchtime”. Mathieu was never targeted in coverage, forcing Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to move to other options and earning the top coverage grade (72.3) of the game. The LSU legend also added a pressure and four tackles on the day.

What a game for Kamara. With all of the contract talk looming over his head and all the chatter surrounding him, he just showed up and performed. Sunday’s game with his 50th career contest with more than 100 yards from scrimmage. Kamara had a successful day on the ground with 83 rushing yards and a stellar 5.5 yard per carry average. He also added 5 catches on as many targets for 27 receiving yards.

BOTTOM 5

1. Defensive end Payton Turner – 43.5
2. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee – 42.2
3. Linebacker Khaleke Hudson – 30.5
4. Wide receiver Bub Means – 24.7
5. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. – 24.4

Turner generated two pressures and a batted pass at the line on 14 pass rush snaps. But his two pressures were hurries, and he failed to get to the quarterback. He also had a couple of tough run defense reps including one wherein he missed setting an edge. The run did not go for much anyway, but still something that shows up on the tape. However, his most egregious moment that may have cost him on his grading was a personal foul penalty call on a late hit. The hit and whistle felt a little close, but the call is the call.

This one was a little surprising to see as Bresee lands within the bottom five. PFF charted only one pressure, a hurry, on 27 pass rushing reps. So, much like Turner, he likely takes a hit there. Though his run defense grade (39.7) drags things down as well. However, he seemed to have an impact as an interior player creating opportunities for other linemen, something that typically does not show up on stat sheets nor grades.

Taking less than 10 snaps on offense or defense in a game makes grading typically tough. Few snaps will often mean a greater weight for the highs and lows displayed. Hudson (5), Means (6) and Gay Jr. (9) all fall into the category. They get a pass. The two linebackers did, however, grade favorably in special teams while Means was dinged for a penalty in that phase.