Drew Brees – Noteworthy
QB Drew Brees passed for just 120 yards, the fewest he has had in a full game since he joined the Saints in 2006. He completed 18-of-23, but threw his first interception this season, ending a streak of 231 passes without an interception.
Eli Apple – Noteworthy
CB Eli Apple proved to be a quick study. His first practice with New Orleans came last Wednesday after he was acquired in a trade with the Giants. He wound up playing 70 of 73 defensive snaps, the same number as Lattimore, against the Vikings. “I think it says a lot about him, how fast he came in,” linebacker Demario Davis said. “He was in there spending extra time with the coaches picking up the defense. He came in day one, game one, picking up the whole defense and coming out to play. He had an amazing day. It says a lot about him as a player. Especially, being a young player in this league and being able to adapt and learn different defenses.” The Saints are hoping Apple will help shore up an area that has been one of the team’s few weak spots so far. “It’s going to take me a little bit, but I feel like I’m getting it,” Apple said. “This is a good start for me to build on, so I’m excited.”
Ken Crawley – Noteworthy
CB Ken Crawley was the odd man out with the acquisition of Apple, who started along with Marshon Lattimore at cornerback. P.J. Williams was the nickel-back, assuming a role Patrick Robinson had before suffering a season-ending injury in week three. Crawley, who began the season as the starter across from Lattimore, was inactive against the Vikings.
Sheldon Rankins – Noteworthy
DT Sheldon Rankins showed that the New Orleans line can generate a pass rush from the inside as well as the outside. While ends Cameron Jordan, Alex Okafor and rookie Marcus Davenport are the primary pass rushers on the defensive line, Rankins has provided a push up the middle all season and had a pair of sacks in a game for the first time against Minnesota.
Taysom Hill – Noteworthy
QB Taysom Hill continues to get significant snaps in a variety of ways. He is returning kickoffs, being the up-back on punts and covering kicks in addition to his duties on offense. He is often called upon to operate the run-pass option at quarterback, but on Sunday he showed he can throw the ball as well, connecting with Michael Thomas on a 44-yard completion.