Mark another ‘W’ for Saints

New Orleans Saints:

Quarterbacks: Drew Brees was very good n especially on third down. A career-high 18 interceptions on the season is a bit of a concern with matchups with the Ravens and Falcons coming up, though.

GRADE: B-

Halfbacks: Welcome back Pierre Thomas. Adding him to Reggie Bush and Christopher Ivory is a good blend of speed, versatility and power.

GRADE: B

Wide Receivers: Marques Colston and Lance Moore each had big days, penalizing the Rams’ defense for dropping into coverage against Brees.

GRADE: A-

Offensive line: Brees had superb protection, and the Saints ran the football better than they do most weeks. A good offensive performance from the front-five.

GRADE: B+

Defensive line: Stephen Jackson nearly had 100 yards on just 16 carries, but Sam Bradford was pounded all throughout the game.

GRADE: B+

Linebackers: The Rams consistently moved the football, but the Saints’ linebackers met Bradford early and often to keep St. Louis off the scoreboard.

GRADE: B

Defensive backs: Malcolm Jenkins had two interceptions n one returned for a touchdown. There isn’t a unit in the NFL that looks worse on paper, but comes up so big when they need to in big situations.

GRADE: A

Special Teams: The coverage units were good and Garrett Hartley continues to be very good. But losing Courtney Roby hurts if he’s unable to return from his injury.

GRADE: C

Coaching Staff: The Saints weren’t as crisp on offense as they usually are, but then again they didn’t really need to be. This was a good, close to the vest win with Baltimore on the horizon.

GRADE: B+

OVERALL GRADE: The Rams aren’t as good as their 6-6 record indicates. But you still have to beat the team on your schedule. The Saints did just that Sunday n even though the big test lies Sunday against Baltimore.

TEAM GRADE: B-