Week 4 AMA: Saints/Falcons Postgame (Ask Me Anything)
Thoughts on the defense at the end of the last two games? Is it execution or play call / scheme that is to blame for giving up scores at the end of close games?
A lot of it's mentality. Great teams have very good situational focus. Game is on the line, you lock in and take it to 110 on every single snap until the final whistle blows.
The Saints haven't done that. Last week it was Howden, triggering early and trying to cheat and make a play on the ball and creating a cluster-f. This week it was Adebo--completely getting out of his technique and it resulted in a costly P.I.
Some of that might have to do with identity. The defense seems very risk-averse at times, and perhaps by the end of the game players are pressing and trying to make THE PLAY (like an INT. to win the game).
I can tell you right now--playing DB is HARD in 2 minute situations. The offense isn't huddling so you're much more limited in communication, disguising, changing plays. It's really just line up and play ball. It's also when the offense can come out with all of its back-breakers like double moves and mesh concepts and other man-beaters. So you have to be extremely locked-in and disciplined with your eyes, hands, and feet.
It IS NOT the time to try and force a play.