Facing an NFL 'epidemic': How Saints plan to combat those pesky pick plays



By Nick Underhill | The Advocate

An offense might not score an easier touchdown against the Saints this season.

It's Week 3, and Atlanta pushed down to the 5-yard line. They lined up with Muhammad Sanu in the slot to the right. Wide receiver Justin Hardy flanked him to the outside. P.J. Williams took Sanu, while Marshon Lattimore lined up five yards off Ridley.

The defense created levels, which is what it wants to do in this situation, but the rest of it didn't play out that way.

Hardy took off inside and laid a pick on Williams, which causes Williams to stick with Hardy. Lattimore also continued to cover Hardy, leaving Sanu wide open in the end zone.

Things fell apart somewhere, and this has been a problem for the Saints on these type of plays the last few seasons. But this isn't just a New Orleans issue.

“I’ll tell you what, it’s becoming a huge epidemic in this league now,” Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn said. “Every team is doing it. It’s making it harder and harder for the DBs.”

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