5 Positives/Negatives From Saints’ Loss To Broncos

Below are five positives, and also five negatives, to take from the New Orleans Saints’ 25-23 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

The setback dropped the Saints to 4-5 on the season.

Positives:  

1)—Drew Brees: No, he wasn't perfect, as he was picked off twice, but it was against one of the better pass defenses in the league. Still he completed 21-of-29 passes, threw for 303 yards, and drove his team down the field, helping them to points on their final drives of each half.

2)---Offensive Line: Like Brees, they weren't perfect, giving up one sack, including two quarterback hits on the first drive. But they only allowed that one sack the entire game, keeping Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware sack-less, while allowing the running backs to average about 4.0 yards-per-carry. And this was without Terron Armstead. Considering all the circumstances, you could make the argument that this was the best game by the offensive line this season.

3)—Cameron Jordan: He was sensational, leading the team with 9 tackles, including a sack, and three tackles for losses.

4)—Linebackers: Craig Robertson and Dannell Ellerbe combined for 16 tackles and two sacks. That was unexpected, because I didn't expect Ellerbe to play. After all, he seldom does. But when he does, the Saints are better.

5)—Brandin Cooks: He finished with 3 catches for 98 yards, including a touchdown, and showed he could deliver the big play, even against an outstanding pass defense. His incredible touchdown reception, which could have given the Saints the win, will be forgotten by many, simply because they lost.

Negatives: 

1)—Michael Thomas: The rookie has been terrific this season, but had a rough day on Sunday, losing two fumbles, and having a pass deflect off his hands for an interception. No other way around it; Thomas' miscues were detrimental to the Saints.

2)—Special Teams: This one is kind of obvious. A blocked PAT, when you're kicking to take the lead with 1:28 left, that's returned for a touchdown, it's just hard to fathom. The Saints' special teams has been brutal all year. This time, it may well have cost them a game.

3)—Kenny Vaccaro: He played great on Sunday, compiling 9 tackles, to go along with a sack and a interception. But his 4-game suspension is coming, and he showed you that he will be missed.

4)—Thomas Morstead: He limped off the field following his first punt, after a Broncos' player rolled into his legs. He played through the pain, but he was noticeably limping, and now will have a doctor look at his injury. Let's hope it's not serious.

5)—Delvin Breaux. Have to be patient with him, as it was only his second game back after along absence. But Breaux struggled in coverage, and simply needs to get better.