Week 11 Grades: Bengals at Saints

Nov 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) is stopped short of the goal line during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerbacks: B+
Another dropped interception opportunity for this crew and allowed one touchdown to Kenny Stills. They allowed for 255 yards through the air and but most impressively held Jimmy Graham to only 3 catches and 29 yards.

Safeties: A-
They contained the passing game and didn’t give up the big plays. That makes any defensive coordinator a very happy man, which Paul Guenther should be smiling after. Reggie Nelson led this week with 5 tackles and 2 assists for this core secondary group.

Linebackers: A-
Emmanuel Lemur had 8 tackles and 2 assists, Vincent Rey had 10 tackles and 1 assist, and they helped to hold Mark Ingram to 67 yards on the ground. They didn’t allow Ingram to get deep into the second level and they kept Drew Brees contained.

Defensive Line: B+
The most disappointing part of the defense was the zero sacks on Drew Brees, especially with great pressure on Brees. They were able to help hold the running game in check and kept Jimmy Graham from getting off the line easy with the consistent pressure. Not to mention a big goal line stop in the first quarter.