The (0-2) Saints try to get their season on track as they welcome the (1-1) Minnesota Vikings to the Superdome on Sunday. The Saints have historically been a great home team and need a win to keep early playoff hopes alive. New Orleans has lost both games this season on the road and in the final seconds.
Minnesota is coming off a loss at home to the Patriots and are in the middle of a string of games where they face Brady, Brees, Ryan, and Rodgers. The Vikings will be doing so without Adrian Peterson. Without Peterson the Vikings offensive line will have to pick them up. They are currently ranked 10th as a team in run blocking with a +2.7 grade after ranking eighth last year. The Saints run defense has been toward the middle of the pack. After ranking 21st as a unit last year they currently sit at 18th.
Here are a few other players to watch out for.
Minnesota Vikings
Josh Robinson – Have to give credit to the Vikings for sticking with Robinson after his 2013 troubles (his -8.6 grade ranked him 99th). He currently sits fourth overall in our cornerback grading at +3.7. One completion for 7 yards is the only thing he’s given up when tested.
Everson Griffen – He’s generated eight pressures on his 48 pass rush snaps and his 10.4 Pass Rush Productivity rating ranks fifth out of all 4-3 ends.
Matt Asiata – The Vikings lean on Asiata again this week with Adrian Peterson slated to be absent. Asiata has only forced two missed tackles on his 15 runs and his 19.0 Elusive Rating ranks him 33rd out of 46 backs.
New Orleans Saints
Jimmy Graham – Graham is currently our top-graded tight end at +6.7 including a +1.5 run blocking grade. He also is ranked third in our Yards Per Route Run stat at 2.82.
Cameron Jordan – His +6.0 overall grade ranks third out of all 4-3 defensive ends. His 10 hurries, three batted passes, and solid work in the run game have all contributed.
Pierre Thomas – With Mark Ingram out, Thomas’ work load will increase. He’s already our top-graded receiving back at +2.7 after ranking 12th overall in our running back grading last year.
Recently at PFF
Saints Ingram to miss up to a month, who fills the void?
Refocused, Patriots @ Vikings, Week 2
Refocused, Saints @ Browns, Week 2
Top 10 Offensive Tackles
You can follow Chris on Twitter: @PFF_CPhillips
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.