Saints snap-count analysis vs. 49ers: In-game injuries forced quick fixes

The New Orleans Saints were hammered with injuries against the San Francisco 49ers, losing Jared Cook and cutting into their snap counts.

The New Orleans Saints rode a roller-coaster during their Week 14 game with the San Francisco 49ers, not helped by several injuries hitting the deepest position group on the team: the defensive line. Two defensive ends (Marcus Davenport and Trey Hendrickson) and starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins each missed time against San Francisco while dealing with various injuries, creating some atypical snap counts. Here’s our unit-by-unit breakdown.

Offensive backfield

  • QB Drew Brees, 68 (94%)
  • RB Alvin Kamara, 55 (76%)
  • QB Taysom Hill, 28 (39%)
  • RB Latavius Murray, 24 (33%)
  • DT Mario Edwards Jr., 1 (1%)

Short-handed at fullback (starter Zach Line was inactive with a knee injury) the Saints used Edwards in that capacity on one goal-to-go play. Hill got the most run of his NFL career, appearing on a personal-best 28 plays on offense and 31 on special teams. Kamara outsnapped Murray by a wide margin, which is concerning given how much better Murray has played than him in recent weeks.

Skills positions

  • WR Michael Thomas, 70 (97%)
  • TE Josh Hill, 62 (86%)
  • WR Tre’Quan Smith, 56 (78%)
  • WR Ted Ginn Jr., 42 (58%)
  • TE Jared Cook, 8 (11%)
  • WR Deonte Harris, 7 (10%)
  • WR Krishawn Hogan, 5 (7%)

Cook was a big part of the Saints’ game plan in this one (as seen by his two touchdown catches in the opening minutes) but a concussion forced him out of the picture, and that meant a huge snap count for his backup. The Saints got more production out of their receiving corps than has been normal for this season, so hopefully they can continue helping out. Harris deserves more touches on offense.

Offensive line

  • C Erik McCoy, 72 (100%)
  • T Ryan Ramczyk, 72 (100%)
  • G Larry Warford, 72 (100%)
  • G Nick Easton, 72 (100%)
  • T Terron Armstead, 72 (100%)
  • G Patrick Omameh, 6 (8%)

Armstead deserves a ton of credit for playing this game (and playing well) despite dealing with a very painful high-ankle sprain. He held up against a talented 49ers pass rush after missing the last two games. Easton has continued to do his part as a fill-in at left guard and could be playing his way into lead position for the starting job next year. Ramczyk was seriously challenged for the first time this season by Nick Bosa; the rookie defensive end gave the Saints’ All-Pro candidate more than he could handle at times, which is more than can be said by a group that includes Khalil Mack, J.J. Watt, Shaquil Barrett, and Jadeveon Clowney.

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