The New Orleans Saints travelled, probably for the last time, to Jacksonville to take on Jack “12 games to go” Del Rio’s “most-likely-to-be-Los Angeles” Jaguars and their rookie quarterback.
The results were comfortably predictable as Drew Brees threw more passes than were probably needed in disposing of the Jaguars 23 – 10. There was a time when the Saints made stars out of opposing rookie quarterbacks. No more, as defensive coordinator Gregg Williams indiscriminately unleashes his full defensive playbook no matter who is taking snaps. Blaine Gabbert felt the pain this time, as he struggled most of the afternoon.
How cool is it the Saints, one-season removed from a Super Bowl title, are developing new stars? One year ago Jimmy Graham was a late round draft flyer. Sunday he only caught 10 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Many are drafted because of their potential, but few realize it. Chalk another one up for the Saints scouting department. Graham has become a new threat that has been added to the already deep Saints receiving corps. He snatches passes like they were rebounds, and he’s got the speed to get deep. I’ll admit I wasn’t buying the release of Shockey to turn the workload over to Graham. If Graham continues at this pace, Pro Bowls are waiting. I’m sold.
Then there’s Darren Sproles, all 5’6” of him. The Saints knew they had a potential replacement for dancing Reggie Bush. Reggie has not been missed as Darren Sproles, he of instant acceleration, is providing that consistent production that Reggie never could. He produced 188 yards Sunday, playing “tackle me if you can find me.”
Best news of all was that Saints ran the ball effectively with Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram also finding holes. Just 7 days until we find out what Coach Williams has in store for Cam Newton, whose addition has made the NFC South the strongest QB division in the NFL. Should be a great one.
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