Tag: Demario Davis

Saints snap-count analysis vs. Panthers: Rest played factor in distribution

The New Orleans Saints rested starters late in their blowout win over the Carolina Panthers, allowing backups like Janoris Jenkins to shine.

The New Orleans went into Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers with offense playing at full strength, while the defense remained banged up, especially in the secondary. That was still too much for a leaderless Panthers team to handle, and key starters were pulled by the Saints in the fourth quarter, which significantly skews their snap counts. The upside to that is the second- and third-string players got extended experience, which will only help them develop further.

Offensive backfield

  • QB Drew Brees, 56 (81%)
  • RB Latavius Murray, 37 (54%)
  • QB Taysom Hill, 34 (49%)
  • RB Alvin Kamara, 28 (41%)
  • FB Ricky Ortiz, 17 (25%)
  • QB Teddy Bridgewater, 11 (16%)
  • RB Dwayne Washington, 5 (7%)

Kamara’s share was down from Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, when he saw over 63% of the offensive snaps. However, the running back was able to produce two touchdowns against the Panthers, and his reduced workload was likely caused by head coach Sean Payton wanting to give his starter rest ahead of the the playoffs.

Skill positions

  • TE Josh Hill, 55 (80%)
  • WR Michael Thomas, 46 (67%)
  • WR Tre’Quan Smith, 43 (62%)
  • TE Jared Cook, 26 (38%)
  • WR Ted Ginn Jr., 18 (26%)
  • WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, 12 (17%)
  • WR Deonte Harris, 8 (12%)

Once again Hill outpaced Cook for their share of snaps played, which is not unusual considering he plays a larger part in the run-blocking game than Cook. Furthermore, Hill’s presence allows Cook more opportunities in the passing game. Thomas’ snap count share was below-average this week, as was his production. There is not much to be worried about on that front considering he was rested in the fourth quarter.

Offensive line

  • T Ryan Ramczyk, 69 (100%)
  • G Larry Warford, 69 (100%)
  • C Erik McCoy, 69 (100%)
  • T Terron Armstead, 54 (78%)
  • G Andrus Peat, 49 (71%)
  • C Nick Easton, 20 (29%)
  • C Will Clapp, 18 (26%)

The offensive line returned to near full-health against Carolina with the return of Peat and Warford, though Peat was in and out of the game depending on various situations. it seems the Saints wanted to ease him back into action after he broke his arm. While Easton had done an admirable job in standing in during that time, the offensive line looked much better at protecting Brees, while also opening up the run game. A strong push into the playoffs will be much more attainable, with the entire unit near full health.

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Watch: Demario Davis and Drew Brees light up the Saints vs. Panthers

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis and quarterback Drew Brees fired up their team before Week 17’s game with the Carolina Panthers.

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The New Orleans Saints are minutes away from kicking off against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, and they capped off pregame warmups with the typical fired-up huddle featuring speeches from team leaders like linebacker Demario Davis and quarterback Drew Brees. But Sunday’s speech wasn’t something they’d heard before.

“All I am asking from you,” Davis began, raising his voice and driving the point home, “All I am asking from you is everything you got!”

It’s easy to see how the Saints are able to play together as a team, with great examples like Davis and Brees at the helm. These weekly impassioned pregame speeches are just part of the work they put in every day to show their teammates how to win in the NFL and overcome the adversity each of them faces. Check it out for yourself where it’s been embedded below, or by following this link:

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Which Saints players can earn contract incentives against the Panthers?

New Orleans Saints players including Teddy Bridgewater and P.J. Williams can earn contract incentives by standing out against the Panthers.

The New Orleans Saints are hours away from closing out the 2019 regular season against the Carolina Panthers, but there’s more on the line for some players than others. Performance-based contract incentives are on the line, and multiple Saints could cash an extra check or two. Others have already missed out on potential cash-ins (like Demario Davis, who was undercut by a badly-designed Pro Bowl ballot from earning $500,000 by getting voted in), while some are just a big play or two away from it.

Fortunately, the Saints have a history of paying out these bonuses even if players come up a little short. Just last year, defensive end Alex Okafor missed out on a $400,000 incentive for logging four sacks (he bagged three), but the Saints cut him a check anyway. Those actions mean a lot to players, and it wouldn’t be surprising in the least if they award some bonuses again this year.

According to The Athletic’s Nick Underhill, several Saints players could trigger bonus payouts by meeting certain criteria in Week 17. Here’s who could bring in some extra money after standing out against the Panthers:

Teddy Bridgewater, quarterback

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Bridgewater can earn as much as $5.25 million through contract incentives, but realistically speaking he’s only going to qualify for $500,00 of that thanks to his extended starting-time earlier this season — and only if he throws a touchdown pass against Carolina. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Earned: $250,000 for improving upon playing-time from 2018
  • Within reach: $250,000 for scoring 10 touchdowns; or $500,000 for 16 touchdowns; or $750,000 for 21 touchdowns. Currently has 9 touchdowns
  • Not likely to be earned: $250,000 per playoff appearance where Bridgewater plays 50 percent of the snaps. Unlikely, unless Drew Brees gets injured again
  • Not likely to be earned: $250,000 for 2,500 yards; or $500,000 for 2,751 yards; or $750,000 for 3,001 yards. Currently has 1,370 yards
  • Not likely to be earned: $2.5 million for playing 50% of the snaps. Currently at 39.1%, would need to start and play more than 130 snaps against the Panthers to catch up
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Studs and Duds from Saints’ 38-28 victory over Titans

The New Orleans Saints proved their mettle in a 38-28 road victory over the Tennessee Titans, rallying back from an early 14-0 deficit to take the lead and hold onto it for the rest of the game. A number of standout performances made that happen, …

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The New Orleans Saints proved their mettle in a 38-28 road victory over the Tennessee Titans, rallying back from an early 14-0 deficit to take the lead and hold onto it for the rest of the game. A number of standout performances made that happen, while a few less-than-stellar individual mistakes and mismatches put them in that hole in the first place. Here’s your Week 16 Studs and Duds.

Studs

Have a day, Michael Thomas. The Pro Bowl, All-Pro wide receiver finished the game with a dozen receptions for 136 receiving yards and the final touchdown score, good enough to break records set by all-time greats like Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison. Thomas was consistently too much for the Titans defense to handle, and Drew Brees was quick to recognize it by giving Thomas so many targets.

Let’s not forget Alvin Kamara, either. He’s been slow to get back up to speed from some early-season injuries, but his 110 yards from scrimmage and two touchdown runs against Tennessee did a lot to put him back on the map. If he’s truly back to his old self and ready for the playoffs, the Saints offense might be unstoppable. They’ve averaged more than 35 points per game since the post-bye Falcons upset, which feels like a lifetime ago.

How about Deonte Harris? The rookie Pro Bowler looked the part on kick and punt returns, ending his day with 183 all-purpose yards. He was a mismatch against a sloppy Titans special teams unit, which was doing its best to avoid kicking to him later in the game. But Harris has proven he can take a game over if given the chance, and that’s a huge asset to add to the Saints’ arsenal as the calendar turns towards the playoffs in January.

We’ll close out this segment with Demario Davis. The veteran linebacker was on fire against the Titans, flowing towards the ball in run defense while remaining active on passing downs. He led the Saints with 11 tackles (9 solo), including a pair of big tackles for loss of yards. He also chipped in a sack and two hits, along with his weekly pass deflection. Saints fans have spent a decade praying for good — not even great, just good — linebacker play, but Davis has given them an elite performance to look forward to each week. His Pro Bowl snub is a glaring omission from the NFL’s all-star game.

Duds

It wasn’t the debut Janoris Jenkins probably hoped for, having been given just a few days of practice before getting rushed into action on Sunday. When Eli Apple and Marcus Williams exited the game with injuries, the Saints had to scramble to put a patchwork secondary together, which meant more exposure for Jenkins than anticipated. He was at fault for one touchdown pass, drew a coverage penalty early on, and struggled to communicate with his new teammates at times throughout the game. The good news is that he should improve rapidly with more practice time.

Speaking of Marcus Williams: he’s a frustrating player, who too often spikes what should have been a great play with a careless mistake. He allowed two big gains in coverage by making the correct read and getting into position, but failing to wrap up for a clean tackle. That’s been the story of his year — despite the team-leading interceptions total (4) and knack for quick play diagnosis, he’s still making these sloppy mistakes in big moments, and costing his team. He’s a young player and should continue to grow and develop, but any missed time with this groin injury will delay that maturation.

The Saints offensive line can’t get healthy soon enough. They were missing starting guards Andrus Peat and Larry Warford, and the Titans pass-rush unit took advantage with three big sacks against Brees. Even standout right tackle Ryan Ramczyk allowed a sack, while center Erik McCoy made a few rookie mistakes. New Orleans struggled to get much going on the ground until Kamara found a lane and traveled 40 yards for a touchdown; outside of that play, the Saints averaged just 3.42 yards per carry. Backup guards Nick Easton and Will Clapp can start in a pinch, but this game proved they can’t hold up in extended action against a competent defensive front.

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Watch: Demario Davis, Drew Brees hype up the Saints before Titans game

The New Orleans Saints took the field at Nissan Stadium against the Tennessee Titans led by QB Drew Brees and LB Demario Davis.

The clock is winding down towards kickoff between the New Orleans Saints and the Tennessee Titans, and team leaders like linebacker Demario Davis and quarterback Drew Brees are ready to fire up their teammates.

Davis and Brees continued to tag-team the Saints pregame huddle, delivering a passionate speech to get their team psyched up and ready for Sunday’s road game at Nissan Stadium. They stressed the need stay alert and energized, even if things are going well for the Saints right now. Just because they’re playing a team they feel no personal rivalry with doesn’t mean they can phone in an underwhelming performance.

“Even when you eat, stay hungry!” Davis shouted from among his huddled teammates. He’s driven home a mantra of “we prowl, we kill, we eat” all season long, setting the tone for a Saints defense that has given better than it’s gotten from opponents for much of the year. Check out video of the latest Saints pregame huddle where it’s embedded below:

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Saints run defense vs. Derrick Henry a matchup to watch Sunday

The Titans have some offensive weapons of their own who could give the Saints defense some issues.

Getting a win against the New Orleans Saints (11-3) with Drew Brees at quarterback and Michael Thomas at wide receiver will be no simple task for the Tennessee Titans (8-6).

But the Titans have some offensive weapons of their own who could give the Saints defense some issues.

One of these is running back Derrick Henry, who has carried the ball 271 times for 1,329 yards with 13 touchdowns this season.

He’s also factored into the passing game at times, totaling 18 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns in 2019.

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The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder presents a larger challenge than practically any other rusher the Saints have faced or will face this season, and if he’s able to get to the secondary multiple times, the Titans offense could quickly snag some momentum.

To plug the gaps, the Saints will rely mainly on linebacker Demario Davis, who was snubbed from the 2020 Pro Bowl.

In 2019, Davis totals 98 tackles, three sacks and an interception.

Limiting Henry means practically bringing the Titans’ ground game to a halt, and it will be interesting to see if the Saints are up to the task when the two teams face each other at 12 p.m. CST on Sunday in Nissan Stadium.

2020 NFL Pro Bowl snubs: Ryan Ramczyk, Demario Davis illustrate all-star game’s problems

New Orleans Saints all-star right tackle Ryan Ramczyk and starting linebacker Demario Davis were snubbed from the 2020 Pro Bowl roster.

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The NFL announced its 2020 Pro Bowl rosters, and seven members of the New Orleans Saints made the initial cut — a franchise record. Mainstays like wide receiver Michael Thomas and quarterback Drew Brees were among them, and were joined by newcomers like rookie returns specialist Deonte Harris. It’s been a heck of a year for the Saints, and all of these Pro Bowlers gathered together are proof it.

However, some glaring absences highlight issues with the archaic Pro Bowl ballot. Left tackles and right tackles are jumbled together into one “offensive tackle” category, which means talented pass-protectors like the Saints’ Ryan Ramczyk are left out altogether. Ramczyk routinely shuts down the league’s best sack artists, but he was overlooked by three left tackles — each of them deserving of their spots, no doubt.

One of the players Ramczyk erased twice this year, Shaquil Barrett, was voted into the Pro Bowl over Saints linebacker Demario Davis. That’s a problem because they play two very different positions, but are treated the same by the ballot’s bad design. Davis is a true outside linebacker who spends his Sundays dropping back into coverage and patrolling the middle of the field; Barrett is a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher, and his prolific numbers put him ahead of Davis.

Just how poorly designed is the Pro Bowl ballot? Taysom Hill wasn’t even an option, and he’s been one of the NFL’s most electrifying talents this year. The do-it-all quarterback has lined up at fullback, tight end, slot receiver, and filled in on a plethora of special teams roles, scoring six combined touchdowns along the way. But the NFL didn’t even make him eligible for fans to vote into the all-star game, which is a travesty.

Sure, there were other snubs. But they speak more to poor decisions by the voting public than the problems written into the NFL’s ballot. Saints punter Thomas Morstead was overlooked for Washington Redskins specialist Tress Way. Morstead has landed a career-best 51% of his punts inside the opposing 20-yard line this year (25 of 49), whereas Way did so on just 37% of his punts (26 of 70). He’s also committed just one touchback all season, while Way has seen three of his punts roll into the end zone. Somehow, voters chose to reward Way for punting often rather than punting well. Shameful.

Free safeties Budda Baker and Eddie Jackson were each voted into the Pro Bowl, but they’ve combined for one (1) interception and ten pass breakups between the two of them. Compare that to Marcus Williams, who leads the Saints with four interceptions, a number that also leads all safeties in the NFC. He’s credited with 14 total passes defensed on the year so far, too. Whether voters are letting Williams’ mistakes in big moments cloud their judgment or are voting based off of name recognition doesn’t matter; they got this wrong.

Then again, this isn’t the end-all, be-all. Several Saints are likely on the list of alternates to fill in for players who are either injured or uninterested in playing in the Pro Bowl, which will open the door for those snubbed to get some time in the limelight. Don’t be shocked if some of these Saints players who have battled injuries — like left tackle Terron Armstead — choose to sit out and rest up during the offseason.

But as far as that goes, you can ask any of them: they’d rather spend the week in Orlando preparing for this exhibition game getting ready to compete in Super Bowl LIV. At the end of the day, these honorifics are nice to have, but there’s a higher level yet to climb.

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Watch: Drew Brees, Demario Davis light up the Saints pregame huddle

Drew Brees and Demario Davis fired up their New Orleans Saints teammates before their Monday Night Football game with the Indianapolis Colts

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Energy was spiking at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome ahead of Monday night’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, and the Saints’ team leaders understood that. With their teammates huddled around them, Saints quarterback Drew Brees and linebacker Demario Davis stepped in to fire them up, feeding off the energy filling the building.

You love to see it. Brees has led these pregame huddles for more than a decade, but Davis stepped into his place when the quarterback was held away from his team for a few weeks on doctor’s orders. And when Brees returned, he and Davis were able to work together naturally, mixing Brees’ iconic chants with Davis’ impassioned style.

It’s worked well so far, and did a lot to set the tone for this prime-time game with the Saints’ Super Bowl-winning team in attendance. You can view it for yourself in the video embedded below:

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Colts vs. Saints: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 15

Key matchups in Week 15.

Following their last-minute 38-35 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts are back on the road as they’ll face the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Despite their 6-7 record, the Colts are technically still alive in the AFC playoff race.

If there’s anything that should give this AFC South competitor hope, it’s knowing the Saints are capable of being beaten at home. Since Week 10, the Saints are 1-2 at home, including their 26-9 upset loss vs. Atlanta.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 15 bout:

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WR Michael Thomas vs. Colts’ injured secondary

After engaging in a dog fight with the Buccaneers’ receiving corps in Week 14, the Colts’ secondary is in store for another one as they’ll face the league’s best receiver right now. Whether it’s through his skill-set, size or historic production, the Saints’ Michael Thomas is producing a historic season by all means.

With three games remaining, Thomas is only 23 catches (121) away from surpassing Colts great Marvin Harrison’s all-time record for most catches in a season (143); while also being in a good position to finish with a top-10 highest season total of receiving yards, since he’s currently at 1,424.

Even if fully healthy, the Colts’ secondary was going to have a hard time defending the Ohio State product and now it’s likely the case given their state of injuries. Cornerback Kenny Moore II isn’t playing on Monday and the duo of Rock Ya-Sin and Pierre Desir are banged up with nagging injuries.

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Which Saints must the Colts game plan for in Week 15?

These Saints must be in the gameplan in Week 15.

The Indianapolis Colts, currently sitting at 6-7, travel to “The Big Easy” to take on the 10-3 Saints on Monday Night Football. New Orleans is coming off a tough loss in what was perhaps the game of the year last week against San Francisco where they lost in the final minute of the game 48-46.

Colts fans have a special type of resentment towards the Saints. The obvious reasoning behind it would be the Super Bowl in 2010 where the Saints beat the Colts 31-17. The game was filled with high-powered passing offenses, an onside kick to start the second half, and the haunting Tracy Porter pick-six that sealed the win for New Orleans.

The Saints have already clinched the NFC South while the Colts are fighting for their lives in the AFC playoff race. If the Colts want to avenge that brutal Super Bowl loss and have a last-ditch effort to save their season, here are seven Saints the Colts must gameplan for in Week 15 in order to pull off the upset:

QB Drew Brees

Another piece of distain comes from Drew Brees breaking Peyton Manning’s regular season records for passing yards and passes completed. Monday night Brees has a chance to break yet another record held by Manning. Currently, Peyton sits at 539 passing touchdowns while Brees is closely behind him with 537.

You have to respect Brees and what he has been able to accomplish throughout his career. This season he missed five games with a broken thumb but has come back strong with 1,072 passing yards and 12 touchdowns over the last four games.

Getting after Brees and forcing him to move out of the pocket will be huge for the Colts pass rush led by Justin Houston. If Brees has all day to throw, it will be a long game for the Colts defense.

LB Demario Davis

Davis has revitalized his career after coming to New Orleans last season. He leads the team in tackles in 2019 with 95 total on the year. Contributing to his impressive stat sheet are also three sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and an interception.

Davis is a talented linebacker with great pass rushing and run stopping abilities. The Saints love to send a combination of players on blitzes so it will be crucial for the Colts offensive line to pick up Davis and others coming off the edge and up the middle.

RB Alvin Kamara

Kamara’s season has seen limited production due to injury, but he is not to be underestimated. The third-year running back out of Tennessee took the league by storm his rookie year in 2017 and has been adjusting to team’s gameplans for him. He currently has 612 yards and one touchdown on the ground so far this season.

Where Kamara gets dangerous is in the pass game. He is a very talented receiver and has a great connection with Drew Brees. He has 68 receptions for 462 yards and a touchdown through the air as well. Stopping this dual-threat target will be huge in slowing down this Saints offense.

CB Marshon Lattimore

Another player who took the league by storm in his 2017 rookie campaign was Lattimore. He and Kamara took home the Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards that year respectively. Lattimore is considered one of the best shutdown corners in the league.

He has only one interception on the season but when teams purposefully do not throw to your side, that is expected. If T.Y. Hilton is still not healthy enough to go Monday night, look for Lattimore to be on Zach Pascal down the field. He is not impossible to beat, but Jacoby Brissett has to be careful when throwing to the talented corner.

WR Michael Thomas

His Twitter handle “@Cantguardmike” says it all. Thomas is one of the best, if not the best receiver in the game currently. His size and speed makes him a matchup problem for just about anyone in the league and his impressive season has landed him in the MVP conversation.

So far on the year, Thomas has 121 catches for 1,424 yards, both of which lead the league for all receivers. He has also found the endzone eight times this year and he and Drew Brees have been clicking as of late.

Pierre Desir will likely be on Thomas but he will need some help over the top, possibly from Malik Hooker or Khari Willis. Stopping Thomas from catching everything thrown to him should help slow own this aggressive Saints pass game.

DE Cameron Jordan

The Colts have faced some good pass rushers this season (Von Miller, T.J. Watt, Yannick Ngakoue) but Jordan is by far the biggest challenge they will face up front in 2019. With 46 total tackles, one fumble recovery, and 13.5 sacks, Jordan is an absolute monster off the edge.

He typically lines up on the right side which will be a matchup problem for Braden Smith and Mark Glowinski on that side of the line. Look for the Colts to either run to the side Jordan is not on or pull Quenton Nelson to that side to try and move the ball on the ground.

Safety Marcus Williams

Williams is a very talented safety but makes mistakes in big moments. Last week against San Francisco he grabbed a hold of George Kittle’s face mask and gave the 49ers 15 extra yards which put them into easy field goal range to win the game. You may also remember Williams botched the coverage that led to the Stefon Diggs “Minnesota Miracle.”

With four interceptions on the year and 53 total tackles, Williams is having a great year. This Saints secondary has really stepped up this season and can cover just about anyone down the field. Williams is very skilled, but attacking him and getting him frustrated will be vital for the Colts passing game that is limited already due to receiver injuries.