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.

Special teams

  • QB Taysom Hill, 31 (84%)
  • LB Stephone Anthony, 31 (84%)
  • CB Justin Hardee, 31 (84%)
  • S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, 26 (70%)
  • CB Johnson Bademosi, 26 (70%)
  • RB Dwayne Washington, 23 (62%)
  • S J.T. Gray, 22 (59%)
  • WR Krishawn Hogan, 21 (57%)
  • DE Trey Hendrickson, 20 (54%)

Craig Robertson was called up to start at linebacker for the first time this season, which meant the Saints pulled their special teams captain off of the punt and kickoff units so he could focus on that responsibility. The core group of players they’ve built around him responded well with their leader on the sidelines, and did a lot to create lanes for electric rookie returner Deonte Harris.

Defensive line

  • DE Cameron Jordan, 64 (96%)
  • DT David Onyemata, 47 (70%)
  • DE Trey Hendrickson, 35 (52%)
  • NT Malcom Brown, 34 (51%)
  • DT Shy Tuttle, 31 (46%)
  • DE Marcus Davenport, 23 (34%)
  • DT Mario Edwards Jr., 12 (25%)
  • DT Sheldon Rankins, 9 (13%)

Injuries struck this group hardest, taking Davenport and Rankins out of the game and slowing down Hendrickson. At least the Saints have quality depth to lean on with players like Edwards getting sacks and Tuttle proving to be more than a one-hit wonder after his wonderful stiff-arm on Matt Ryan on Thanksgiving. Onyemata is doing a lot to question any doubts he’ll get in free agency in the spring as to whether he can be a full-time player rather than part of a rotation.

Linebackers

  • LB Demario Davis, 67 (100%)
  • LB Craig Robertson, 67 (100%)
  • LB Stephone Anthony, 17 (25%)

Robertson was forced into extended action for the first time this year, and there can’t be too many complaints given his performance. Yes, he was repeatedly targeted in coverage and overran his run fits, but the Saints didn’t have any better options. And the second half-opening interception he recovered off of a tipped pass can’t be understated. Here’s hoping Kiko Alonso and A.J. Klein will be able to return soon.

Defensive secondary

  • S Vonn Bell, 67 (100%)
  • CB Marshon Lattimore, 67 9100%)
  • S Marcus Williams, 67 (100%)
  • CB Eli Apple, 67 (100%)
  • CB P.J. Williams, 37 (55%)
  • S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, 26 (39%)

This unit under-performed against San Francisco, and it won’t change significantly this year. Apple and Williams are entrenched in their positions at cornerback and free safety, and the Saints do not have better options, no matter how vocal fans may wish for it. Williams is the only player on the team with multiple interceptions this season (he’s bagged four) and has played much better than the public may perceive him. His ugly moments in this game don’t tell his whole story, but they are a humbling experience for him to learn from.

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