Nick Canepa’s report card
Quarterbacks AFreshman
Justin Herbert came to NOLA having gone against the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Monday night he drew Drew — and for a while outdrew Drew, throwing three first-half TD passes — and the go-ahead 64-yarder to Mike Williams near the end. The first rookie QB to throw four touchdowns on Monday night. Lost this game by a half-yard. He deserves a win.
Running backs C+
With ambidextrous Austin Ekeler out — one of the 11 projected team starters on the mend — it was up to subs Justin Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley to carry the package. Jackson had a 36-yard run.
Receivers
Allen left with bad back after he scored, a blow. Then Mike “Day To Day” Williams took over, catching a short TD, then Hunter Henry, who dropped the first pass thrown, grabbed one. Williams came up a halfyard short at the end. KJ Hill drop in OT was enormous.
Offensive line D
Saints got after Herbert, as they should have. This embattled group has to play its best to be average. Again, the unhealable right side — G Trai Turner and T Bryan Bulaga — was out. Sam Tevi allowed an early sack, followed by Trey “Come On In” Pipkins. A group allowed a third.
Defensive line B+
Uchenna Nwosu, in for Melvin Ingram, had the game of his life, including a bull-rush sack and TFL. Joining the wounded, he left early in the fourth. Joey Bosa (triceps/knee/ankle/body) was a cameo, playing in passing situations (which means anytime), and got going later, with a sack and pressure. His intensity is missed. Broughton “El” Cortez has moments.
Linebackers
Kenneth Murray had two big early short-yardage stops. Talented, but has much to digest, like how to cover tight ends. Kyzir White loitered around the ball all evening.
Secondary C+
Disciplined Saints star Michael Thomas was out, but the DBs forgot Emanuel Sanders is good — so good, they seemed to forget he was on the field. Nasir Adderley ran 56 yards and missed a pick 6 by a yard. He offered no help on a long TD pass. Lack of a rush didn’t help — especially on the long tying touchdown. Desmond King is playing better.
Special teams
Michael Badgley doinked a 50-yarder that would have won it (also missed an XP, the difference, did you notice?). Not the best of nights in coverage. Hill has to learn what apparently is unlearnable — don’t catch a punt inside your own 10.
Coaching F
Anthony Lynn simply can’t finish games. Close losses aren’t good. They mean you lost. He’s often too conservative — and at times maddening. Blew his usual big lead.
Next opportunity (Bye)
recess is premature for the kids, but given their physical condition, any break at any time in 2020 is a good break — as long as they don’t misbehave.