16 Sacks - 7 Turnovers (2 Viewers)

[Kyle brister]

Normally I’m a big fan of metrics like this, but having us at 24, even before Sunday, has me scratching my head.

That's why we know how good our team is, or at least those who understand the level of competition, & that there a lot of things which go into great defense understand how good our defense is. But looking at raw data without understanding the difference between Russell Wilson & Mason Rudolph is inadequate to put it mildly.

 

[David Robbins]

Thanks guys. Still would love to know if we have a true top 10 Defense.

 

[CowtownSaint]

Could have had a few more turnovers too!

 

[FootballLady]

Thanks guys. Still would love to know if we have a true top 10 Defense.

That question is meaningless. Do we have a complimentary defense? Do we have a defense that can be counted on to make plays? Those are the real questions and the answer to both is a resounding 'yes!'.

 

[CowtownSaint]

Also, Stats Lie!

We have put up those numbers against the toughest schedule in the league IMO. There is something to be said about that!

 

[meily]

This Defense is just as fun to watch as the offense, they may give up points (what defenses doesn't) but from the front end to the back end there is a player worth watching who can / will come up with a big play or help force a 3 and out.

 

[wayne5w]

The only stat that matters is the team is 4-1 without the best player on the team. Special teams and defense have been great and the offense was great in the last game. IMO this is the best Saints defense in the Payton/Brees era so I don't really care what the stats say or rank is. If teddy can keep it up until Drew is back, the NFL better look out.

 

[David Robbins]

The NFL is already on notice. We've moved up to #2 in the Power Rankings behind Brady's Pats, and we all know that they haven't played anyone.

 

[Mojomajik9]

Here’s how i personally know we have a good defense:

I’m not scared to death they’re going to do something stupid. I’m excited to see what the D can do. Get sacks, turnovers or forcing a 3 and out. They’re fun to watch now! Watching Davis outwitting QBs prior to the snap and Jordan and Davenport beasting is a lot of fun. Honestly it is probably the most fun I’ve had watching a Saints defense since I was a kid

 

[insidejob]

Thanks guys. Still would love to know if we have a true top 10 Defense.

If you think we do, then we do. There isn't a measurable way for any of these stats to tell you so.

 

[insidejob]

Also, Stats Lie!

We have put up those numbers against the toughest schedule in the league IMO. There is something to be said about that!

Exactly. The Pats are only giving up 13 first downs a game, but the Bills are the only decent team they've played, and they're really only any good because of their defense.

 

[bobad]

By any and all metrics, we're middle of the pack. We seem to get plays when we need them, and there's no metric for that.

1 of the most frustrating things, we've had a lot of meaningless yards and scores run up on us in garbage time. Don't know what can be done about that. I remember that few garbage yards and scores were run up against the old Bears, 49ers, and Ravens, so it can be held down.

 

[FootballLady]

The NFL is already on notice. We've moved up to #2 in the Power Rankings behind Brady's Pats, and we all know that they haven't played anyone.

Do you think that's what other teams are thinking about, power rankings? Do you think a single coach or GM pays any attention to a weekly power ranking from Yahoo or ESPN?

 

[David Robbins]

By any and all metrics, we're middle of the pack. We seem to get plays when we need them, and there's no metric for that.

1 of the most frustrating things, we've had a lot of meaningless yards and scores run up on us in garbage time. Don't know what can be done about that. I remember that few garbage yards and scores were run up against the old Bears, 49ers, and Ravens, so it can be held down.

It's called Prevent Defense. What it prevents is winning, or great defense. I've never understood why you change up what you're doing, what's been working, at the end of a game.

 

[the-commish]

We are only 5 weeks into the season. It'll take a full season to sort things out. I agree the Niners and Pats have played an easy
schedule. The Pats are in a weak division and won't be tested there. We'll know more about the Niners when they play the
Rams and Seahawks

The Niners are playing at the Rams this Sunday. And they still have to play the Rams at home, the Seahawks home and away, and the Saints at our place.