Mark another ‘W’ for Saints, but just barely

New Orleans Saints:

Quarterbacks: For the second-straight week, Drew Brees brought the team back in the final minutes of the game, proving he can throw the football in chilly conditions.

GRADE: B+

Halfbacks: There truly is a rainbow in every rainstorm. Christopher Ivory might be better than Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush combined.

GRADE: A

Wide Receivers: Robert Meachem hit the long one, Marques Colston got the touchdown and Lance Moore caught the short ones. That’s basically the formula every week.

GRADE: A-

Offensive line: On a day when the Saints couldn’t throw it 40 times because of Mother Nature, the offensive line allowed the team to steadily move the chains rushing the football. That was the difference in the game.

GRADE: B+

Defensive line: The group got pressure on Carson Palmer, but the Bengals were able to do some damage in the running game, which kept the game close.

GRADE: C+

Linebackers: The Bengals’ backs and tight ends were always right there to make the big 3rd down conversion. Not the best day of the season for the group’s linebackers.

GRADE: C

Defensive backs: T.O. dominated the first half and Ocho Cinco controlled the second half. Why? Because Tracy Porter struggled mightily in coverage. That needs to change real fast.

GRADE: C+

Special Teams: Garrett Hartley is on a roll after a slow start to the season. A 48-yarder isn’t easy in regular conditions, much less in the freezing cold with wind swirling.

GRADE: B+

Coaching Staff: The decision to go for the touchdown instead of the tie is one I’d never have the guts to try myself. But they did it and it worked. All-in-all, the Saints really need to beat the Bengals by more than a few points, though, especially when holding a big lead.

GRADE: B

OVERALL GRADE: The Saints keep winning, but continue to blow big leads. With games against Baltimore and Atlanta coming up, they need to play a more consistent ballgame. Unless, of course, they want to play on the road this postseason.

TEAM GRADE: B-