NFL 2015 first-round preseason grades
Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Stephone Anthony (50) tackles Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
B-. <p>The New Orleans Saints were ranked No. 29 against the run in 2014 so they took middle linebacker Stephone Anthony No. 31 overall. And from the start of training camp, he impressed the Saints with his physicality, instincts and speed. He also showed he had the brains to get the defense lined up and in the right play.</p> <p>Early in the preseason, Anthony showed all of the aforementioned traits that got him picked by the Saints. But in the dress rehearsal vs the Houston Texans, Anthony was less than spectacular. The Texans’ zone-blocking offensive lineman are good at getting to the second level, where Anthony plays.</p> <p>And he had a hard time shedding their blocks and getting to the football at a reasonable time. He also gave up what should have been a touchdown catch in coverage at, to tight end Ryan Griffin. However, the defense looks much improved from last year with Anthony in the middle of it.</p>. MLB. New Orleans Saints. STEPHONE ANTHONY
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