Here are the top takeaways from Saturday's Packers-Saints game, including the highest-graded players for each team:
Green Bay Packers
–Rookie quarterback Brett Hundley (-1.7 grade) got a lot of praise after the game for his four touchdown performance, but he owes a lot of credit for those stats to his teammates. He completed just two passes of 10 yards or longer all game, with 205 of his 236 yards coming on passes either behind the line of scrimmage, or within nine yards of it. There's still a long way to go before he becomes a steal of a draft pick like was being discussed on the broadcast.
–Undrafted rookie free agent linebacker James Vaughters (+2.5) ended a promising preseason on a high note. Another two hurries brought his total for preseason to four from 11 pass rushing attempts, while he added in some nice work against the run. Vaughters graded well during CFF last year, and his work this August shows that he has the potential to develop into quite the steal for the Packers.
–In the battle for the roster spots down the lower end of the Packers wide receiver depth, it was Myles White (+1.1 receiving grade) who came out on top. Two touchdowns from six targets gave him the edge over Jeff Janis (-0.4), who had two receptions for 21 yards, and Jared Abbrederis (-1.5), who had just one six yard receptions and lost a fumble on a punt,
Top 5 Graded Players
LB Joe Thomas Jr. (+2.7)
DE/OLB James Vaughters (+2.5)
C Andy Phillips (+2.4)
DE/OLB Jayrone Elliot (+2.4)
LB Jake Ryan (+1.4)
New Orleans Saints
––It wasn't a good night for the rookie quarterbacks, with Garrett Grayson (-1.7) matching Hundley's grade. It brought to an end a preseason that started so well against the Baltimore Ravens, but has seen three straight negatively graded games. He particularly struggled under pressure, going 2-for-8 for 25 yards and an interception.
–After failing to impress much in the previous three games, Saints undrafted free agent defensive lineman Bobby Richardson (+6.5) had an outstanding performance to end the summer. With a sack and two hurries he contributed as a pass rusher, but is was against the run where he really stood out. He finished the game with six defensive stops, bolstering his chances of sticking in the NFL.
–Cornerback Kyle Wilson (+1.2) had a solid game despite a miscommunication that allowed a Green Bay touchdown. He was thrown at seven times, yielding two catches for seven yards including the touchdown, while coming away with a pass breakup and an interception.
Top 5 Graded Players
DL Bobby Richardson (+6.5)
OLB Kasim Edebali (+3.2)
CB Kyle Wilson (+1.2)
CB Brian Dixon (+0.8)
WR Brandon Coleman (+0.6)
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