Week 4 of the NFL has come to a conclusion, marking the completion of the first quarter of the season. As such, we took a deep dive and handed out awards to several New Orleans Saints players for their early performances and contributions — and lack thereof.
The first four weeks of the season have been an absolute stunner for the Saints and their fans. The loss of quarterback Drew Brees to a thumb injury against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 appeared to many as a death sentence for the team. Instead, New Orleans came together and surrounded backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with support. The result was a road win against Seattle, and a victory over the Cowboys in which the Saints defense put on a showcase.
None of these successes would have been possible without key contributions from various players who have more than earned the right to be recognized. Alright, let’s get to it! Here are the awards for the first quarter of the season:
New Orleans Saints Team MVP: Alvin Kamara
On almost any given year in the last decade the “MVP” would go to Drew Brees. Now, with Brees’ injury, the spotlight can turn to another superstar: Kamara. In Brees’ absence, Kamara has seen his role increase resulting in some incredible performances including a career day in Seattle during Week 3.
Kamara has racked up 280 rushing yards with a touchdown run while adding another 199 yards receiving with a touchdown catch through Week 4. Impressive as that may be, Kamara’s stat line does not tell the whole story. His balance, elusiveness, and ability to explode through contact have allowed New Orleans to remain in games and continue to be competitive against playoff contenders.
Bridgewater has leaned on Kamara in the early goings to help get drives started and maintain momentum in all phases of the offense. Kamara’s presence in the offense provides a sense of security to Bridgewater that is invaluable. Kamara easily runs away with the first quarter MVP award.
Rookies of the Month: Erik McCoy
The top rookie for the Saints on offense through Week 4 is indisputably McCoy, their new center. The Texas A&M product was tabbed as New Orleans’ starter to start the season. A few untimely penalties this season, along with a few mistakes, have only slightly blemished the start to the season for the big man. One such mistake was snapping the ball early during a third down in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys that allowed a sack of Bridgewater, which pushed the Saints out of field goal range.
Aside from the few miscues that Erik McCoy has committed (along with the rest of the line), the rookie has been a suitable replacement for the retired Max Unger. Growing pains are expected for a rookie thrust into the role and responsibility of snapping the ball to the quarterback for one of the highest rated teams in the NFL. McCoy is getting it done, and should continue to improve as the young season goes on.
Comeback Player of the Month: Sheldon Rankins
New Orleans has experienced relatively good health for their players over the course of last season. While the good health is positive for the team it makes it a little tougher to pick a “Comeback Player of the Month”. Therefore, it has to go to defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins who ruptured his Achilles tendon during the 2018 NFC Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rankins returned to action on Sunday night against Dallas where he played 66% of defensive snaps, nearly mirroring his 2018 production. Rankins recorded a quarterback hit and helped with two tackles in Sunday night’s win over the Cowboys continuing his productive ways right where he left off. A quick return from a severe injury allows Rankins to easily pick up our award for Comeback Player of the Month.
Most Improved: Eli Apple
After a relatively disappointing 2018 debut where Apple joined the Saints in a midseason trade with the New York Giants, his 2019 season has been a better story. Through Week 4 Apple has recorded 16 tackles and a critical forced fumble. His best performance this season came against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3; during the second quarter, Apple punched the ball out of Seahawks running back Chris Carson’s arms, which was promptly recovered and returned for a touchdown by safety Vonn Bell. The score gave the Saints some added momentum in the early goings of the Week 3 matchup.
A quietly fantastic performance on Sunday by Apple helped New Orleans to a phenomenal and unexpected defensive unit win. Apple helped contribute in keeping the Cowboys to 223 passing yards while holding them to only one touchdown. Not much more can be asked from the defensive back who has flashed his stuff during the last two games. Apple will be heavily relied upon to help compliment Marshon Lattimore in containing the passing game in the next coming games. The cornerback has proved he is up to the task.
Most Disappointing: Jared Cook
The Saints signed Cook during the offseason for two years and $15 million, the idea being that Cook could come in and help stretch the field and spread out opposing defenses. An experienced and speedy pass-catcher by reputation, Cook has done little this season to justify his contract.
Through Week 4, Cook has recorded eight receptions for just 90 yards and failed to catch a touchdown as a Saint through four weeks. New Orleans’ offense has been fueled almost solely by Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas, while Cook’s production has been almost nonexistent. Bridgewater can use all the help he can get, and a veteran tight end is usually a backup quarterback’s best friend. Instead, Cook has done little to increase his share of the workload, even against a Seahawks defense that has been gashed by tight ends.
Despite a slow and often disappointing start to the season, Cook still has plenty of time to get it going and turn it around. The tight end can still contribute greatly to a Saints team that is anemic for offensive playmakers.
