All true. I think that it was even worse than that for the CBs. The depth chart at the start of preseason was something like: Lewis, Breaux, Wilson, Williams, Swann.
I've been thinking back to that great 09 Patriots game. Greer and Porter were out, and it didn't look good for the Saints going in. McKenzie and McAlister were brought in pretty much off the street, and the patchwork defensive backfield held up well. In 2016, the *entire year* has been like that game or two in Nov 09. Truly remarkable job by the defensive staff and players to keep it together this season.