Baldinger: Saints DE Carl Granderson 'Is Playing Great'

Former NFL player and analyst Brian Baldinger says Saints defensive end is playing great football.

Former NFL player and analyst Brian Baldinger says the Saints' defensive end Carl Granderson "is playing great" football. Currently, the edge rusher has 4.5 sacks, 7 TFL, 9 QB Hits, a forced fumble, and 23 tackles in six games. 

Baldinger analyzed Granderson's performance against the Texans, "Just watch him play the run, and just he gets off the block, gets disengaged, and then quickly makes these tackles." He has been the best complement to Cam Jordan. Granderson's confidence and skills as a pass rusher have improved since last season.

Oct. 15, 2023; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson could not sack Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX; Credit: Kyle A. Mosley, Saints News Network

"Quickly, end of story, [Granderson] doesn't miss tackles, gets off blocks, means getting to the quarterback. Saints are going to be an odd team because of their defense, And Granderson's playing as well as anybody."

Franchise quarterback Derek Carr passed for a season-high 353 yards, one touchdown, and an interception as the Saints lost 20-13 to the Texans in Week 6.  

.@Saints @carlgranderson7 is playing great ball…he is also playing fast…sees plays develop quickly and then has sharp reflexes to make these plays #whodat #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/hEAeXpgPDQ

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 17, 2023

The defense didn't have the best first half but did make the necessary adjustments to limit C.J. Stroud and Houston's offense to 3 points in the second half. Again, the fourth-quarter play calling by offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has pushed the Saints to the tipping point. Week 7, New Orleans (3-3) will face Jacksonville (4-2) at home in Caesars Superdome on Thursday night, Oct. 19. 

To stay competitive with their NFC South rivals from Tampa Bay, Dennis Allen's team needs to secure a win. The Buccaneers enjoyed a bye week last week, while the Falcons failed to leap the Saints as they suffered a loss. Carolina remains winless.