The New Orleans Saints (7-7) dismantled the New York Giants (5-9) on Sunday, and it was largely thanks to the efforts of some veterans who rose to the occasion. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was close to an ideal game in Dennis Allen’s vision for this team.
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 | Demario Davis
It was a vintage performance from the Saints’ leader. He started off hot early on and just kept it rolling from there. Davis led the Saints defense in tackles with 10, adding a sack and two tackles for a loss as well. His energy was very welcomed and was present throughout the entire defense.
DUD | Officiating
There were a few confusing moments throughout the game, but none topped a flag that was thrown on Alontae Taylor for unnecessary roughness. Taylor took down tight end Daniel Bellinger on a textbook tackle but the officials did not think so. A flag was thrown and the crowd went crazy. It continues to get harder and harder for defenders to feel like they know what is allowed and what isn’t, a flag like this only muddies the waters further.
STUD | Derek Carr
It wasn’t the flashiest of performances, but boy was it a needed one. Carr had a very nice day against the Giants. He finished 23-for-28 passing for 218 yards, which was efficient; but his three touchdown passes were a season-high. Carr’s improved performance in the red zone has made a big difference.
DUD | Mobile Quarterback defense
Tommy DeVito accounted for more than half of the Giants’ rushing yards on the afternoon, scrambling for 36 of their 60 yards. He was a challenge to defend in the open field, though it could have been worse if New York had made his legs more of an emphasis in their game plan.
STUDS | Saints pass rushers
Tanoh Kpassagnon led the way with 3 sacks and 4 quarterback hits, but he wasn’t the only one getting home. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee had 2 sacks and 2 quarterback hits of his own. Demario Davis, Carl Granderson, Zack Baun, and blitzing safety Jordan Howden were also all around the quarterback. It’s taken a while, but the Saints are finally finishing pressures with sacks.
STUD | Pete Carmichael
Credit where it’s due: Carmichael came up with a great game plan and put his players in position to win on Sunday. After a weird opening series that sidelined Alvin Kamara, anyway. Carmichael repeatedly dialed up play action and made better use of pre-snap motion to free up his playmakers, which is what we’ve been looking for all season.
