1. New Orleans Saints
While questionable calls left head coach Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints incredibly flustered, there were a few positives from the squad’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. And the Saints’ offensive line was undoubtedly on that shortlist of pluses.
The Saints had a difficult task—one that more than a few teams had already faced and failed—when they lined up against the top-tier 49ers defense. Ranked first against the pass, the Saints needed to execute an attack that was more substantial on the run—exploiting San Fran’s weaker link—while not going Mr. Hyde completely and abandoning the passing game.
Again, even though the final score wasn’t in the Saints’ favor, there has to be some “Yeah, but!” discussion when going over the Xs and Os. They racked up 465 yards and six touchdowns. Brees was not sacked the entire game. Zero! And maybe a fumble here or a call there, a third-down conversion, and the game has a totally different outcome. Regardless, that Saints front should make Drew, Sean, all the Parishes, whatever, feel pretty darn confident.
Saints strike first blood & the protection makes the play. If the New Orleans OL can give Drew Brees time like this against the league's most ferocious defensive front, it will be a long day for the 49ers.
Brees punishes SF here with a gorgeous throw on the deep over to Cook. pic.twitter.com/duYHEYzYdx
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) December 8, 2019
Ryan Ramczyk, Terron Armstead, Larry Warford, Erik McCoy, Patrick Omameh, and Nick Easton: Though it wasn’t a win, I’m sure the Week 14’s Champion of Choppy Steps will drown those referee-induced sorrows.