That’s more like it: the New Orleans Saints cut off their two-game losing skid with a win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Saints left Lucas Oil Stadium with a 38-27 victory to their credit.
But who made a difference on Sunday afternoon — for good or bad? Who stood out for positive and negative reasons? Let’s break down this week’s Studs and Duds:
STUD | WR Rashid Shaheed
The sophomore undrafted receiver continues to make a name for himself as he flashed his speed and contested catch ability multiple times today. He finished with an absurdly efficient 3 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. His ability to stretch the field is a huge part of the Saints offense and it proved important in this one. Not only were they big plays in terms of yardage, but also in big situations.
DUD | TE Juwan Johnson
It was Johnson’s first game back from injury, so he will need some time to get back up to speed, but it still was not what you would want to see out of your top tight end. The tight ends have not been much of a factor this year on offense. Johnson is the best pass catcher of the group, but was unable to make much of a positive impact on this game. He had one catch for five yards on two targets as well as getting called for a false start late in the game.
STUD | QB Derek Carr
This was the performance that everyone has been waiting for from Carr. Minimal mistakes and spreading the ball around early and often. It never felt like he was dialed in on one receiver. He finished the day 19-for-27 with 310 yards and two touchdowns, by far his best day as a Saint.
It’s his third straight game with over 300 passing yards, as the Saints continue to drive the ball down the field well. The big difference in this one was the ability to finish it off in the red zone.
DUD | S Tyrann Mathieu
Not the best day for the New Orleans native, the same story as much of the defense. Mathieu had a big missed tackle on the long run that Jonathan Taylor had early. He also picked up a DPI late in the game on a play that would have likely been incomplete already.
STUD | CB Paulson Adebo
After a really rough 2022 sophomore campaign, Adebo has bounced back with a nice season so far. Today’s three pass break-up performance was highlighted with an interception at the 2-yard line ran back for 27 yards. It came at a crucial time with the Colts driving the ball and Minshew taking a shot to the end zone. Adebo now leads the team with two interceptions on the season.
DUD | CB Marshon Lattimore
It’s usually not a great sign when a cornerback is near the top of the team in tackles. Lattimore did not have his best day in coverage today, after weeks of looking like one of the best corners in the league. The woes included getting flagged for holding and pass interference on the same play.
He did have a pass break up and a nice tackle for a loss in this one, but the standards are higher for Lattimore.
