So that’s discouraging. For the third time this season — and now in back-to-back weeks — an opposing defender has won Player of the Week recognition after defeating the New Orleans Saints. This time it’s Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, who was instrumental in their 20-10 win over New Orleans. Highsmith was credited with 2 sacks and 1 quarterback hit, 5 tackles (3 solo, 1 tackle for loss), and 1 forced fumble. That effort won him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for Week 10.
It’s the same award that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Justin Houston won in Week 9, after demolishing the Saints with 2.5 sacks and 3 quarterback hits, 3 tackles (2 solo, 2 tackles for loss), 1 pass defensed, and 1 interception which set up the win-sealing Ravens touchdown. Earlier this season, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 7 after returning an interception 38 yards for a defensive touchdown, also bagging 2 passes defensed and 3 tackles (2 solo).
So, hey, good for them, I guess. The Saints haven’t played great football in any phase, but their offense keeps coming up small in big moments. And opponents seem to be giving them their best shot each week, which is resulting in these weekly individual awards. Hopefully they can turn things around and start to win games with some standout performances of their own.