The New Orleans went into Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers with offense playing at full strength, while the defense remained banged up, especially in the secondary. That was still too much for a leaderless Panthers team to handle, and key starters were pulled by the Saints in the fourth quarter, which significantly skews their snap counts. The upside to that is the second- and third-string players got extended experience, which will only help them develop further.
Offensive backfield
- QB Drew Brees, 56 (81%)
- RB Latavius Murray, 37 (54%)
- QB Taysom Hill, 34 (49%)
- RB Alvin Kamara, 28 (41%)
- FB Ricky Ortiz, 17 (25%)
- QB Teddy Bridgewater, 11 (16%)
- RB Dwayne Washington, 5 (7%)
Kamara’s share was down from Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, when he saw over 63% of the offensive snaps. However, the running back was able to produce two touchdowns against the Panthers, and his reduced workload was likely caused by head coach Sean Payton wanting to give his starter rest ahead of the the playoffs.
Skill positions
- TE Josh Hill, 55 (80%)
- WR Michael Thomas, 46 (67%)
- WR Tre’Quan Smith, 43 (62%)
- TE Jared Cook, 26 (38%)
- WR Ted Ginn Jr., 18 (26%)
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, 12 (17%)
- WR Deonte Harris, 8 (12%)
Once again Hill outpaced Cook for their share of snaps played, which is not unusual considering he plays a larger part in the run-blocking game than Cook. Furthermore, Hill’s presence allows Cook more opportunities in the passing game. Thomas’ snap count share was below-average this week, as was his production. There is not much to be worried about on that front considering he was rested in the fourth quarter.
Offensive line
- T Ryan Ramczyk, 69 (100%)
- G Larry Warford, 69 (100%)
- C Erik McCoy, 69 (100%)
- T Terron Armstead, 54 (78%)
- G Andrus Peat, 49 (71%)
- C Nick Easton, 20 (29%)
- C Will Clapp, 18 (26%)
The offensive line returned to near full-health against Carolina with the return of Peat and Warford, though Peat was in and out of the game depending on various situations. it seems the Saints wanted to ease him back into action after he broke his arm. While Easton had done an admirable job in standing in during that time, the offensive line looked much better at protecting Brees, while also opening up the run game. A strong push into the playoffs will be much more attainable, with the entire unit near full health.
Special teams
- QB Taysom Hill, 23 (74%)
- CB Justin Hardee, 23 (74%)
- LB Craig Robertson, 23 (74%)
- LB Stephone Anthony, 23 (74%)
- RB Dwayne Washington, 21 (68%)
- SS J.T. Gray, 21 (68%)
- DE Carl Granderson, 17 (55%)
- CB Patrick Robinson, 16 (52%)
- TE Josh Hill, 15 (48%)
Once again, QB3 Hill turned in the highest snap count on special teams despite also playing an expanded role in the offense. Harris, the rookie Pro Bowler, had another phenomenal day as the kick returns specialist by fielding two punts, including a 15-yard gain. His continued special teams play will be a key factor for New Orleans in the playoffs.
Defensive line
- DE Trey Hendrickson, 42 (59%)
- DE Carl Granderson, 39 (55%)
- DT David Onyemata, 36 (51%)
- DE Cam Jordan, 33 (46%)
- NT Malcom Brown, 31 (44%)
- NT Taylor Stallworth, 30 (42%)
- DT Shy Tuttle, 29 (41%)
- DT Mario Edwards Jr., 28 (39%)
Granderson saw a significant increase on his snaps share, again most likely due to the fact that Onyemata saw significant rest on Sunday. Jordan, despite seeing his snap count cut in half from his average, still recorded a sack bringing him to over 15.5 sacks on the year, a career high.
Linebackers
- LB A.J. Klein, 55 (77%)
- LB Demario Davis, 36 (51%)
- LB Craig Robertson, 35 (49%)
- LB Kiko Alonso, 22 (31%)
Linebacker Manti Te’o was inactive on Sunday after having played the last two games in a significant capacity. Klein once again was a star for the linebacker corps by recording five solo tackles. Davis had a reduced snap count, much like the rest of the Saints starters heading into the fourth quarter.
Defensive secondary
- CB P.J. Williams, 71 (100%)
- CB Janoris Jenkins, 71 (100%)
- CB Patrick Robinson, 64 (90%)
- SS C.J. Gardner-Johnson, 50 (70%)
- CB Justin Hardee, 36 (51%)
- CB Marshon Lattimore, 36 (51%)
- S D.J. Swearinger, 33 (46%)
- SS J.T. Gray, 4 (6%)
Jenkins played on every single snap of the game on Sunday. He recorded five tackles, and a late interception in the end zone to effectively end the game. With cornerback Eli Apple out, Jenkins had to step up. Robinson played over 90% of the defensive snaps, but not in his natural position. Instead, he lined up at safety, which bodes well for the secondary’s depth if either Vonn Bell or Marcus Williams remain sidelined. It’s always helpful to have versatile backups.
