This season, I’m keeping track of who would get a hypothetical game ball after all of our wins. Luckily, we’ve started off 4-0 and two players have earned a game ball per game for 8 total. No player has earned two game balls although some were close and definitely had the stats to win one, but got beat out by players who made more impact.
Week 1: 37-3 win @ Carolina Panthers
Game Ball Winners: In such a clean game for the whole team, two players went above and beyond setting a tone of hustle and grit no matter the score earning game balls despite great games from several skill position players. First, Cesar Ruiz, the Saints right guard got one for his outstanding pass and run blocking along with two fumble recoveries during the game. He saved two possessions and showed what we want to see from our players. Second, Grant Stuard, our special teams ace got one for making countless tackles on kickoffs before the Panthers returner could make it to the 20, let alone the 25. Stuard was released from the Indianapolis Colts last season and sat on the New Orleans practice squad until he got his chance for the Saints special teams this season. He knows his role and is one of the best at hawking down returners as fast as possible.
Week 2: 38-34 win vs Dallas Cowboys
Game Ball Winners: This was a tight game that involved a comeback and heart on both sides of the ball after going down early. These two players clutched up and helped us win in a very meaningful NFC matchup. First, Chris Olave, who didn’t have the most mind blowing game with just 5 receptions for 73 yards, but he had two touchdowns. He got the comeback going with our first touchdown and then on fourth and goal with just 4 minutes left he got open for a go-ahead touchdown earning him a game ball. Next, Smael Mondon Jr, the rookie linebacker taking the place of the now retired all-pro Demario Davis, earned one for his flying around the field making tackles, including a tackle for loss on Tony Pollard in bounds on the Cowboys final drive that broke the Cowboys minds and caused a collapse in managing the clock and clincing the win. Smael had more tackles and tackles for loss in our first game, but he made much more meaningful plays in week 2.
Week 3: 48-33 win @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Game Ball Winners: This is a game where the offense started slow and the defense wasn’t as amazing as hoped. The winners were players who had the best games of their career and showcased the Saints ability to win with anyone and everyone on the roster. First, Kendre Miller, who won the starting running back spot in preseason but then went down with an injury that kept him out of weeks 1 and 2 came back for his first career start and absolutely popped off with 176 rushing yards on just 12 carries, 51 receiving yards, and two touchdowns with one on the ground and one in the air. Kendre solidified his role as the lead back despite Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams still getting carries. Next, Brian Johnson, the kicker who spent all of last season on the practice squad being groomed to be the starter for this and future seasons earned his for getting the Saints on the board after redzone struggles and being reliable all day going 4/4 on field goals and 4/4 on extra points. He didn’t kick any long field goals but you can’t understate the importance of those kicks early to keep the energy on the sideline up.
Week 4: 46-17 win vs Carolina Panthers
Game Ball Winners: This game was a reminder to not take any game lightly as just 3 weeks after utterly dominating the Panthers on the road, this home matchup with them was much closer as it was 7-7 early and was a somewhat close game before the second half went 18-0 in New Orleans favor, going back to what we know we can do. First, Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback who’s now a superstar gets a game ball after 3 good weeks, this 4th game he finally earned it. He went 17/22 for 307 yards, 3 touchdowns, avoided all sacks, and ran twice for 24 yards. He did throw an interception but bounced back and earned this by having such an efficient game with his season high in both completion percentage and yards per attempt. The final game ball of the first quarter of the season went to Josh Paschal who got his first sack of the season and the first of his career as a starter as he’s taken the edge spot opposite of Isaiah Foskey and been a great run stopper and pass rusher this season with pressures and sheds that don’t show up on the stat sheet but does show up when you watch. His sack came after a second half opening offensive drive where the Saints failed on a fourth and goal, but Paschal got New Orleans points right back with a sack for a safety leading to that dominant second half.
Honorable Mentions: Many Saints players haven’t earned a game ball, but have been impressive and they deserve a shoutout. Alvin Kamara is averaging 8 yards a carry in his new role along with starting the first two games while Kendre was hurt with a total of 305 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground combined with 7 catches for 107 receiving yards and two reception touchdowns. Johnny Wilson has been exceptional as a rookie wide receiver filling in across from Chris Olave with 22 catches for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns. Taysom Hill is a full time fullback now and has been great. He only has 52 yards and one touchdown on 10 touches both through the ground and air but has blocked well and the Saints have the second best rush attack in PML currently. The whole offensive line has been great as well with the top rush attack also having a top pass attack and Derek Carr only being sacked 4 times, two coverage sacks, and two from overload blitzes where the ball wasn’t released fast enough. Trevor Penning, Nick Saldiveri, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, and Graham Barton have been holding it down with James Hurst filling in for any injury and will be the starting center for the next 3 games. Jamaal Williams has fumbled twice on just 26 touches but in those same touches he has 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rashid Shaheed hasn’t broken out quite yet but the new 3rd option at the receiver position is making plays after spending a full year on the practice squad with 95 receiving yards and a rushing touchdown from two yards out. On the defensive side, Paulson Adebo has 2 interceptions and a forced fumble as the left side cornerback. Caden Sterns and Tyrann Mathieu have been a premiere safety duo each having an interception. John Franklin-Meyers and Isaiah Foskey are still the best defensive linemen on the team with JFM having a sack from the DT spot and Foskey having 2 sacks from the edge. He won a game ball but deserves a second shoutout for just how good he’s been as Smael Mondon Jr also leads the league in solo tackles along with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble and recovery. Alfred Collins, Junior Colson, and Cameron Jordan all each have half a sack as well as rotational pieces. Pete Werner also has an interception as his lack of ego has helped him slot in beside Mondon and stay productive.
