The New Orleans Saints fell to the Arizona Cardinals 20-15 in a very disappointing outing. While the preseason is simply a bunch of glorified scrimmages, there is a reason for these games. First and foremost, it’s a chance for coaches to grade players at each position. That’s especially true with cuts coming soon. Pro Football Focus has released some high marks for some young players this past week against the Cardinals.
New Orleans Saints-Arizona Cardinals Recap: Pro Football Focus Grades
Offense
Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk takes the highest grade at 96.1 for the game last week. A few months ago former Saints’ tackle Zack Strief broke down some of the reasons why Ramczyk is so consistent.
The summation from Strief is that Ramczyk has the technique and footwork that is rare for a first-year tackle. Look for plenty of high grades coming for him and the offensive line this year. The others in the top three were:
Guard Larry Warford: 80.1
Wide Receiver Tre’Quan Smith: 79.7
Smith has been solid since training camp. He could be the deep threat the Saints have been looking for this year. For the other rankings check out the grades here.
Ryan Ramczyk recorded a 97.4 (!!!) PFF Run Blocking Grade ⚜️#WhoDat⚜️ pic.twitter.com/IiQz9wOsM7
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) August 18, 2018
Defense
Keep in mind these grades are for just one game. That being said, the highest grade given on the defensive side was defensive tackle Henry Mondeaux at 87.4. Mondeaux had four solo tackles from the interior. That was tied for first in solo tackles. Here are the rest of the top five:
Linebacker A.J. Klein: 82.1
Defensive Lineman Woodrow Hamilton: 78.5
Edge Rusher Al-Quadin Muhammed: 77.6
Cornerback Justin Hardee: 76.8
Muhammad looks really good on defense rushing the passer. He had five pressures on just 17 rushes. Muhammad has been struggling to stand out as of late, but this game he came out big time. Cornerback Justin Hardee also had a great game. Hardee is another guy that’s trying to make a case for a roster spot. The secondary struggled overall as a team, but players have to stand out to make a case of why they shouldn’t be cut.
The third preseason game is usually the most telling because many of the starters will play extended time. This game can make or break players to make the 53-man roster.
