Carl Granderson Is 'Coming In Hot'

Carl Granderson's trainer gives the Saints News Network an insider's view to the defensive end's torrid start of the season.

The scorching summer days spent with coach Aaron Day in Sacramento, California, have been integral to the success of Carl Granderson.  He has been ready to elevate his game and stand as the bookend to All-Pro Cam Jordan for years. Granderson, 26, has seen increased playing time and visibility since signing with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in 2019.   

"This offseason, I was trying to stay focused, get bigger and stronger," Granderson told the media at the Saints training camp. "So I'm just trying to come in, and do my job, and do my part." The Wyoming product's game start in Week 1 isn't a fluke. His growth and production are closely linked to his pre-cam training, which led to a solid training camp.  

Dec 5, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) reacts dagger recovering a fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) celebrates a sack with Kentavius Street (91) in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) reacts after a sack during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

He's definitely coming into the season hot! 

Sacks	Tackles	QH Pressures	QB Hits	TFL
2.5	5	11	6	2

Before camp started in July, his trainer, Coach Day, told Saints News Network that Carl was "focused on having a great get-off and improving his rush angle to the QB." He continued, "We worked hard on that along with his counters, which was an area of improvement for him, in my opinion. He's been watching a lot of game film, too, this offseason."

After two weeks of game action, the New Orleans Saints defensive unit has been stellar. Pro Football Focus gives NFL-high ranks to LB Demario Davis (No. 2 -LBs), CB Marshon Lattimore (No. 1 - CBs), and Carl Granderson (No. 7 - Pass Rusher). The edge rush tandem of Cam Jordan (12) and Carl Granderson (11) have accounted for 26 quarterback pressures (NFL high) and three sacks - Granderson has stacked 2.5 body bags.

Carl Granderson is going to get PAID this offseason. pic.twitter.com/4lshFX4piA

— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) September 19, 2023

"He wanted to improve on his pass-rush approach, set recognition, and setting up rushes. Carl is playing with a lot of confidence. All that he needed were the snaps. Now, he's showing everyone why he deserves to be a starter!" Coach Day noted.

Granderson is on a 21.25 sack pace to start the season. Can he keep up his torrid pace and continue his assault on NFL quarterbacks this season?  It is his contract season.

We shall see.