How we graded the New Orleans Saints in their Week 15 win vs. Falcons

Save a red-hot start for the Saints offense, things faulted down the stretch. Unable to put the game away despite one yard being the difference is likely the most glaring, but there were other issues as well. Thankfully the fast start went a long way to pad the difference.

Running back Alvin Kamara saw the most touches he has had since the Week 8 shutout of the Las Vegas Raiders, tight end Juwan Johnson reeled in a pair of touchdown catches and undrafted free agent rookie receiver Rashid Shaheed again blew the top off of the defense for a 68-yard touchdown reception. Those were undeniable highlights of the day along with some interesting usage and breakaway moments for Taysom Hill.

But choosing veteran running back David Johnson over Kamara and Hill on a short yardage call immediately bit the Saints in the behind as he lost a fumble. Along with more predictable playcalling on 2nd and 10 downs and the absences of star players in big moments. Things took a right-enough step which led to the win, but there are still some concerning trends to patch up.