Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints

No one is immune from criticism in the NFC South, and the New Orleans Saints are not the exception to that rule. If this post was done a week ago, the Saints would have certainly received a lower mark, but on Sunday evening, New Orleans looked to be every part of an NFC contender in dismantling the Packers, and that provides optimism.

At the same time, though, the Saints are 0-4 on the road, and until they prove they can win away from the Dome, it is tough to put much stock into the team. Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham still form one of the top passing duos in the NFL, and the Saints do possess a multi-faceted ground game that has proven to be effective, but the defense has taken a giant step in the wrong direction after posting a top-10 mark under Rob Ryan a year ago, and that can’t be ignored.

New Orleans is probably the favorite in the reeling NFC South, and that means something, but no Saints fan can be pleased with how the team has played through the first eight weeks.

Grade: C-

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