To begin the year, the fanbase was worried that the New Orleans Saints did not have a true complement on the opposite side of Chase Young to help generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Well, that question has been answered, as Carl Granderson has emerged as the missing edge rusher the Saints have needed this season.
Granderson has now recorded at least 1.5 sacks in four consecutive games. He was in the backfield almost the entire game, finishing with 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and 2 tackles for loss. He now has 7.5 sacks on the season and is tied for third in the league, trailing only Chase Young, who has 8, and Will Anderson Jr., who leads the NFL with 9.5.
Without the pressure and impact Granderson had on this game, the Saints may have lost. New Orleans pulled out a one-point overtime victory against a scrappy Browns team, and the defense had to make plays to keep the Saints in the game during stretches when the offense was struggling to find its rhythm.
Carl Granderson is my choice for Game MVP for Week 9.
Do you think the Saints have found their edge-rushing duo? And who do you think should have been the Game MVP?
