SEATTLE — To understand why New Orleans Saints pass rusher Carl Granderson is tied for the NFL lead in sacks, start with a play that wasn’t a sack at all.

In the Saints’ season opener, Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson broke containment down the right side. This, admittedly, was terrible defense from the Saints. But as Benson ran down the 25, the 35 and the 45, Granderson suddenly entered the frame. The defensive end sprinted past cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and linebacker Pete Werner to bring down the running back. He limited the damage to 52 yards instead of a touchdown.

Want to know why Carl Granderson leads the NFL in sacks?

Hustle. Effort. Grit.

“He’s got a relentless motor that’s obvious on the silent tape,” defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said.

Granderson’s re

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