Our Defense Deserves More Respect (1 Viewer)

[JimEverett]

No one will confuse them with being one of the best defenses in the league, but the idea (sort of expressed by Madden last night - and a lot of others) that they are inferior just doesn;t fly anymore.
They do have their faults - they give up big plays and don;t seem to make too many plays themselves (although that has changed a little the last two weeks). But, I think they have to be one of the league leaders in 3 and outs. I also have the feeling they are near the top in giving up the fewest amount of long drives for scores.
If we are going to go deep into the playoffs this defense is going to have to take it up a notch even more, however. You know that whoever we face will make it a point to run the ball and play ball control in order to keep the ball out of Brees' hand.

 

[Domeination]

They're definitely playing better these last 3 weeks. Maybe they're starting to gel a little. If Hollis keeps himself in shape and we can keep the rest of the starters healthy, I think we'll have a much better D than most of us could have expected going into the playoffs. Grant and Smith are playing great football. I think they're overlooked because of they market they play in. Young has been rock solid all year. Leisle and the other DT in the rotation (can't think of his name right now) are playing more consistently now. Fujita is having a probowl type year, and Shanley is pretty good too. Simoneau is o.k., but he needs to step it up. McKenzie is starting to dominate, and Craft has been playing pretty good ball as of late. I think Fred's hammy must be healthy now, because he's doing a much better job staying with his man than a few weeks ago. Stoutmire is actually starting to exhibit some smarts out there. Maybe he's finally settled into the D. Bellamy is a good backup to have. I expect more from Bullocks. Maybe he'll be the latest suprise in the next few weeks. And i can't say enough about Coach Gibbs. These guys have been well prepared the last 3 weeks.

 

[geauxboy]

Can't say enough about Gibbs. Gotta hand it to him and the D for popping the WR's in the mouth and not letting them run easy routes. While it is true that we don't really give up too many long drives, we do give up too many 3rd and long's. You can almost see it coming. Soon as the QB steps back and has some time, it's usually a completed pass to a rather wide open reciever usually across the middle. That HAS to be addressed if we are to be a serious contender in the playoffs.

But, given the personel we have, they have done an admiral job and have improved significantly throughout the season.

 

[FWtex]

I guess it is chic to pick on the saints D. If anyone would just look at what they do to opposing offenses they are a pretty good Defense. Take the turnovers away from Bal and Pitt and this saints D has played better than any other Defense the opponents have faced.

Before last night I thought I heard all the know-it-alls say the saints secondary was weak, this morning I hear them saying the run defense is weak. LOL ???

I think what is throwing the pundits off and waht they are not realizing is that this saints Defense has a great ability to strengthen a particular part of their game to force a team change their gameplan. This saints Defense is really good but please don't tell anyone.

 

[Pepper]

As I told my wife last night, the Saints don't have a "good" defense...but they have a "good enough" defense.

 

[Waymer]

This team, IMHO, has a lot of similarities to the first Rams Super Bowl team. Dramatic turnaround, explosive offsnse, defense that had struggled in years past but is playing solid, good special teams, etc, etc.

 

[JimEverett]

This team, IMHO, has a lot of similarities to the first Rams Super Bowl team. Dramatic turnaround, explosive offsnse, defense that had struggled in years past but is playing solid, good special teams, etc, etc.

Except that that Rams team defense made big plays constantly. I mean I bet they averaged close to a TD a game. And that Rams team also usually scored a TD on special teams every game and a half or 2 games.

 

[TCUDan]

It's very hard to have the #1 ranked offense and a top 10 defense. Teams play you aggressively on offense.

The impressive thing is our pass defense. Our run D is pretty good but gives up big runs. The pass D has been consistent (it's top 10) and the ints have finally started to come in the secondary. And they couldn't come at a better time.

 

[Waymer]

Except that that Rams team defense made big plays constantly. I mean I bet they averaged close to a TD a game. And that Rams team also usually scored a TD on special teams every game and a half or 2 games.

Well, maybe not a TD a game...but yes, they did contribute largely.

That offense was also much more explosive in terms of big plays. This offense can score on any given play, but the reality of it is that despite appearance, they are a ball control team. They just control the clock with 8-10 yard passes as opposed to 5 yard runs.

 

[geauxboy]

It IS about time we start catching those INT's instead of bouncing it off your hands or chest. Hey, atleast we are in position for the INT. I'm thrilled at that one thing alone.

 

[BoNcHiE]

It IS about time we start catching those INT's instead of bouncing it off your hands or chest. Hey, atleast we are in position for the INT. I'm thrilled at that one thing alone.

We did get 2 INT's. The one to MM was a rocket. I don't blame him. The other hit Thomas's cast. He should of knocked it down. But oh well. He played great besides that.

 

[Big_Red]

Now we see what its like to have a real D cooridinator. Not a retard like Venturi scratching his head on the sideline.

 

[JimEverett]

It's very hard to have the #1 ranked offense and a top 10 defense.

Interestingly enough it has been done 6 times in the last 10 years.

96- Green Bay
97 - Denver
98 - Minny
99- Rams
01- Rams
05- Seattle

Chargers are close this year - with the # 11 ranked defense.

 

[mvtrucking]

The D has really gotten better the last 3 weeks. They held the previous 2 teams to 13 or less and the Cowboys to 17(It should have been 10 if Freddy T had just swatted the ball down on that 4th down TD) If they can keep teams under 17 points, this offense can carry the team the rest of the way.(They have been scoring over 30 points the last 3)

Also with FA and the draft this team can be scary with some more play makers on the defensive side of the ball.