Eagles will stress the Saints front 7 this week. (1 Viewer)

[Scorpius the Allfather]

Nice thing is that we didn't show too much of our defensive playbook in the Dallas game, we got up so quickly that we stayed in base rush-four/cover-seven most of the second half.

They really miss AJ Brown when he doesn't play -- there's a big WR drop-off after Devanta Smith, and certainly no other deep threats, so I imagine we may have more blitz opportunities.

We're going to win this game by at least 10. That's my prediction.

 

[Scorpius the Allfather]

Yeah, need that spy. Perhaps this deserves a separate post...but anyone noticing the lack of an impact Bresee is having?

I'm really starting to see him as a 5Tech that reduces inside to 3Tech on passing downs, because on running downs as a DT he gets washed and tends to lose the leverage battle a good bit. Saw him on the ground a couple times last week and I haven't seen the jump from him I was expecting.

I've seen some expert say that his run defense is way better this year and he's also gotten a strick sack fumble, so is he really not having an impact?

 

[HangtownBaghead]

Yep. Mobile QBs are a handful for any DC but some of them figure out a way to at least limit them a bit. As good as DA is he just can't even when it comes to mobile QBs. Hell they don't even have to be that mobile. Dan Marino with two blown out knees could power walk his way to a 1st down against our defense.

I'd like to hear from some of our experts around here about why DA has historically struggled with QBs running? What is it about his scheme that allows for that? I can understand a QB sneaking out when you're running man coverage and everyone has their back to the QB. But when it happens over and over and there's no adjustment, I don't get that. Seems like we're always watching a QB take off with 30 yards of green in front of him with Cam Jordan trailing.

I agree we got torched last year by the backup QB who could run..\

 

[Turfie]

I think there will some some corner or safety that drills Hurts on a legal hit.

 

[SaintsFanInLA]

So many people have jumped on the Saints bandwagon that this game feels like the typical letdown game for us. I HOPE that's not the case as DA and Kubiak have them focused and we can roll these fools hard but I am nervous.

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

I've seen some expert say that his run defense is way better this year and he's also gotten a strick sack fumble, so is he really not having an impact?

he’s got 1 solo tackle in 2 games and it’s the strip fumble. His overall PFF grade through 2 games is a 41.2. 31.9 in run defense and a 54.7 pass rush.

I know people lean on PFF when it fits their argument and dismiss it when it doesn’t but I drew up my opinion prior to checking his grade on the strength of your post.

People see the sack and think he’s been impactful…that’s one play in roughly 60 or more snaps.

Where’s he been the other 59?

Edit: specifically he’s played 84 snaps.
53 as a pass rusher. 30 in run defense and he dropped in coverage on 1 play.

His total stats 1 tckl, 1 sack, 1 FF and 3 pressures.

I’m sorry but those are not good #’s

 

[Saviorbrees]

I think 41-20 saints win

 

[cdogg]

he’s got 1 solo tackle in 2 games and it’s the strip fumble. His overall PFF grade through 2 games is a 41.2. 31.9 in run defense and a 54.7 pass rush.

I know people lean on PFF when it fits their argument and dismiss it when it doesn’t but I drew up my opinion prior to checking his grade on the strength of your post.

People see the sack and think he’s been impactful…that’s one play in roughly 60 or more snaps.

Where’s he been the other 59?

Edit: specifically he’s played 84 snaps.
53 as a pass rusher. 30 in run defense and he dropped in coverage on 1 play.

His total stats 1 tckl, 1 sack, 1 FF and 3 pressures.

I’m sorry but those are not good #’s

I’ll take 8.5 sacks and 25.5 QB pressures.

 

[Scorpius the Allfather]

he’s got 1 solo tackle in 2 games and it’s the strip fumble. His overall PFF grade through 2 games is a 41.2. 31.9 in run defense and a 54.7 pass rush.

I know people lean on PFF when it fits their argument and dismiss it when it doesn’t but I drew up my opinion prior to checking his grade on the strength of your post.

People see the sack and think he’s been impactful…that’s one play in roughly 60 or more snaps.

Where’s he been the other 59?

Edit: specifically he’s played 84 snaps.
53 as a pass rusher. 30 in run defense and he dropped in coverage on 1 play.

His total stats 1 tckl, 1 sack, 1 FF and 3 pressures.

I’m sorry but those are not good #’s

Except I never mentioned PFF, I said an expert said his run defense is far superior to that of last year which you didn't address. You're solely going on statistics too. They don't tell the whole story.

 

[Cougar 2]

Eagles will try to limit possessions with long time consuming drives that will frustrate Saints offense. Run defense could be the weak link that limits the Saints’ success this year.

Before the season started, I said one of the things that the Saints will have to do on both sides is WIN on first downs:

On O, get 3-4 yds or MORE on first downs n it’s a WIN.

On D, give up LESS than 3 yds on first downs n it’s a WIN.

Carl Granderson leads all D linemen with 8 tackles n Nate Shepherd ( who IMO is our MOST underrated D lineman!) is second with 7. Everybody else has four tackles or less.

But as a unit, da D line has been solid against da run. Other than Chase, it’s da same group as last year. I’m no expert, but I think it’s partly because they’re playing more disciplined n detailed in carrying out their assignments. So as long as they’re setting da edges n not getting beat r blown blown off da ball, they’re doin their jobs!

Cause when they do, it keeps DD n Pete “clean” to go sideline to sideline n do THEIR jobs!

 

[SaintsBrah]

Last week I felt the secondary would be the key to the win, this week the entire front 7 will need to pave the way.


The eagles run a lot of motion, horizontal plays, and read option. Eye and gap discipline will be important in the run fits and the DE's will need to maintain the edge to keep Hurts from getting outside of the pocket. If that happens too often DB's will lose their matchups attempting to cover for 5-6 seconds. Hurts is a true dual threat who can stand in the pocket and deliver the ball just as easily as he can throw it on the run or pick up the yards on his own. LB's need to not only play the run well, but also not get sucked in on PA leaving the MOF open for easy completions. Maybe Willie Gay plays a bigger role this week and helps, I'm not sure how DA will deploy them.

It's another game where an early lead will help solve the puzzle. Hurts won't put the ball up for grabs like Dak, but their offense will stress our tackling ability along w/ the other things mentioned.

They looked like hot garbage vs a poor falcons D

 

[SaintsBrah]

Eagles will try to limit possessions with long time consuming drives that will frustrate Saints offense. Run defense could be the weak link that limits the Saints’ success this year.

Can’t have a long drive if you go 3 and out

 

[NS_Saint]

The Eagles looked like trash so far

 

[MikeyF]

The eagles are probably going to do allot of bear fronts to slow down the running game.

Yep!
And that will open up the passing lanes & the deep ball.

 

[bobad]

We need speed LBs and Safeties to contain Hurt, not thumpers taking bad angles and chasing him for 20 yards.