New Orleans Saints Week 12 Report Card: Grading Each Unit vs. New York Giants

The New Orleans Saints walked all over a beleaguered New York Giants squad Monday night in front of millions watching across America on ESPN. 

The 49-24 victory was never as close as the score indicates. The Saints dominated this game in just about every way possible. And the grades will prove that. 

Quarterback Drew Brees: A+

When you're responsible for five total touchdowns, don't turn the ball over and have a 129.6 QB rating, it seems safe to say you've done just about everything right. 

Drew didn't make any significant mistakes. In fact, I don't even remember him throwing a ball that should have been intercepted.

Pretty amazing eh?

Running Backs: A-

Between Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram, the Saints running backs combined for 197 yards rushing on 29 carries. That's good for well over six yards per carry. 

They also had two touchdowns on the ground. And they had 79 yards receiving on seven receptions. 

And they managed to help keep Drew Brees very healthy. 

Wide Receivers: A

Beyond the sheer numbers—which were gawdy—the New Orleans Saints receivers did a wonderful job of getting open against a defense which has done a good job this year in all aspects of the game. 

The group did a really good job of blocking in the running game. But they also scored touchdowns. And that's ultimately why the unit's performance was so good. They did what they had to do, and they did it very well. 

I was impressed by Devery Henderson's ability to work the middle and work as a second-possession receiver with Lance Moore. 

Marques Colston tends to make big plays on Monday Night Football, such as the 70-yard touchdown he had a few years back against Green Bay.

All in all, the Saints receivers were impressive. 

Tight End Jimmy Graham: A

When your tight end catches five passes for 84 yards, you're getting just about the maximum amount of production out of that position. 

When you add in two touchdowns and the presence he gives the Saints offense, you've got a guy who is an All-Pro. Add in John Gilmore's blocking abilities and you've got great production from the tight end position. 

The Saints certainly can't ask for any more. 

Offensive Line: A+

When your offense gains over 575 yards of offense on a defense as talented and good as the Giants, your offensive line clearly played a good game. 

When the rushing game is responsible for over 200 of those yards, that's an even clearer indication. And when your QB is never sacked—and hardly ever touched—you can rest assured the offensive line played outstanding.

Given the Giants presented the best defensive line in the NFL (in my opinion), the play of this unit Monday night was beyond impressive. 

Defensive Line: B

A defensive line's job becomes infinitely easier when the offense becomes one-dimensional as it was much of the game for the Giants. 

That being said, it would've been nice to see the unit do a better job of getting pressure on the Giants' QB. Will Smith had the only sack, though he did force a fumble recovered by Roman Harper. 

However, they did a good job in the running game holding up and not leaving tons of running lanes. 

Though if the Saints hadn't gotten a large lead in this game, I'm not quite sure how the defensive line would have held up. 

Linebackers: B

For the second straight game, the Saints' linebackers created a huge turnover which helped to swing momentum in the game. Last time, it was Scott Shanle; this time, Will Herring. 

The veterans are starting to make a few more plays and are holding up in not giving up big plays, at least in this game—though the Saints did give up a big one to Victor Cruz when the game's result had already been decided. 

I thought Ramon Humber, Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Herring played well in this game. That the Saints are playing well in this unit without the presence of their leader—Jon Vilma is a testament to assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt and the heart of these particular players. 

Secondary: B-

One could make a reasonable case that a large chunk of the Giants' passing offense came against the Saints' linebackers. Unfortunately, the other large chunk was against Patrick Robinson. 

When you give up 20 consecutive completions, even in a prevent defense, that's not exactly a good thing. 

But the Saints managed to make enough plays in the secondary when it mattered to maintain the Saints' advantage in this contest. 

For that reason, giving them anything below a B-minus seemed unfair. 

Special Teams: A

It was a breezy day for Thomas Morstead and John Kasay. 

There's nothing significant to speak against here. Even the failed fake field goal worked well. Had Jimmy Graham had just a little more speed or a little more shake, it would have resulted in a field goal. 

The return teams and coverage teams were both solid. 

As in every other unit, the Saints were solid if not better. That's why they won so resoundingly.