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Tre'Quan Smith, Larry Warford named to PFF Team of the Week

Several New Orleans Saints stood out in their third preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, including rookie receiver Tre’Quan Smith and Pro Bowl guard Larry Warford. Here’s what Pro Football Focus’s Gordon McGuinness had to say about them in PFF’s Team of the Week:

Tre’Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints – 87.2

Smith has looked like a perfect fit for the Saints offense since arriving as a third-round draft pick out of UCF this year. Against the Chargers, he caught all four passes thrown his way for 39 yards and a touchdown and has yet to drop a pass this preseason.

That’s a good summation of Smith’s play against the Chargers. Here’s some stats I found on his preseason stats to-date: Smith currently ranks second in among the league’s wide receivers with nine receptions converting a 1st down, a conversion rate of 81.8% – the best among all players with 11 or more receptions. He still hasn’t caught a pass in a game from Drew Brees, by the way.

Larry Warford, New Orleans Saints – 89.1

Getting the start on the right side for the Saints, Warford continued a strong preseason with his best game so far. He didn’t allow a sack, hit or hurry from 16 pass-blocking snaps, and has now allowed just one hurry from 33 pass-blocking snaps this preseason.

Warford was the only offensive lineman to represent New Orleans in last year’s Pro Bowl, but it’s still great to see he’s continuing to play at a high level. The Saints are fielding one of football’s strongest rushing attacks between Warford and Ryan Ramczyk on the right side, but the big bruisers are proving they’re more than able pass protectors, too.

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