We Aren't Blowing It Up, So What Now?

I actually don't think it's scheme. We're pretty much running the same scheme as we did in 2017-2020 when we were one of the most dominant run defenses in the league, and we almost broke an NFL record for consecutive games holding a rusher under 100 yards. Onyemata was a stonewall in the middle and was a key reason for that, he was so disruptive in the run game. I think losing him definitely hurt.

I think right row we're definitely missing a force in the middle, and we're not as strong at LB as we once were. Demario's age is starting to show, and I don't think our safeties are very good disrupting the run game, Mathieu included.
PFF has two former Saints DT's ranked in the top 12 as interior run defenders in 2024--Onyemata and Roach. Losing Roach to free agency is more painful since he signed a small deal (2 years / $7m), and he appeared to be taking the next step before his injury last year.