What did we learn about the New Orleans Saints on Sunday? They handled the New York Giants with ease in their 24-6 blowout win, with the offense and defense each doing its part to seal a victory.
Here are our notes and observations after Week 15’s big win:
1
The offensive play calling did improve this game from the perspective of the offensive line. With Ryan Ramczyk out, Landon Young started at right tackle with Max Garcia helping out as the jumbo package tackle. Carr was only sacked once, despite the opposing unit having Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence. — Jeremy Trottier
2
The defensive backs, even without Marshon Lattimore, are the class of the team. We have come to expect high quality play from Paulson Adebo in this breakout season, but Isaac Yiadom has also stepped up immensely. Jordan Howden had another quality game, as did Tyrann Mathieu. The amount of talent in that room is endless. — Jeremy Trottier
3
The Saints have figured out how to use Jimmy Graham. Graham was a healthy inactive for a month, and it seemed like a wasted free agent signing. Graham returned and scored a touchdown in each of the last three games. He even caught a pass that wasn’t in the red zone this week. — Darrion Gray
4
Defense shows more juice than they have in weeks
Issac Yiadom doesn’t get enough attention. Yiadom has filled in for Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore this season. The secondary could have easily fell off after losing their lockdown cornerback. Yiadom has filled in well enough for the secondary to remain the strength of this team. He was frequently tested today and ended with three pass deflections. — Darrion Gray
5
I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from ‘The Office.’ “Keep It Simple Stupid, great advice, hurts my feelings every time.” This was not the flashiest performance of all time, but it was exactly what the Saints need Derek Carr to be for the offense to function at a normal rate. The offense was efficient, Carr was able to be settled in the pocket, no one needed to play hero ball. — Dylan Sanders
6
Bryan Bresee! This is the player that the Saints wanted when they drafted in the first round. Two sacks on the day to go along with the seven total by the defensive line. He’s an athletic freak that is only getting better. He has the makings of a top-level interior defender, the Saints just need him to continue the path that he is on. — Dylan Sanders
7
Shouts out to Pete Carmichael for coming into this game with a great plan. He was aggressive and dialed up play action at the highest rate in any game this season, which kept the Giants defense on its heels all afternoon. It’s taken longer than it probably should have for Carmichael to start breaking tendencies established by Sean Payton before him, but he’s beginning to find his way. — John Sigler
8
This was another big game for Alvin Kamara, who made plays on the ground and through the air; he led the team in yardage both as a rusher (66) and as a receiver (44). His efforts put him over 1,000 scrimmage yards this season for the seventh time in his pro career, which set a new Saints franchise record. He’s a critically important part of the offense. — John Sigler
