Saints New Defense Discussion (2 Viewers)

[Snakehead]

This has been discussed some in other threads, but it would be cool to have it all together.

We saw a different defense yesterday. Sure the players are mostly the same, but it played different. DC Joe Woods and DL Coach Byran Young had the defense playing at a level to keep us in games and then to close them out.

The Turner and Young discussion is going on in another thread as is the Honey Badger discussion.

Let's talk Big John Ridgeway. I saw big 95 on the field a lot. When we traded for him, I mentioned that he'd be a nice addition next to Bresee. At 6'5" 325lbs, he's a monster in the middle. We are looking at big DTs in the draft and getting one makes sense, but we need to see what we got in this guy. I'm pretty sure his scouting report talks about a mean streak, nasty and plays to the whistle. Early downs with Turner, Big John, Big B and Young across the D-line is not bad at all considering how they played yesterday and will continue to develop in the new style going forward.

 

[Domeination]

Letting the D line pin their ears back instead of trying to run all kinds of simulated pressures was definitely the right move. The D is still very leaky on run defense, though. We're going to need upgrades in the front 7 if we want to be a top defense.

 

[26ISTHEMAN]

What about our secondary? We're good for 1 or 2 PI calls a game, and most of them are warranted. I think Adebo and Taylor are both good CBs, but they never turn their head to find the ball. I have to believe this is a coaching problem.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

but they never turn their head to find the ball. I have to believe this is a coaching problem.

This problem goes back to Payton's time as coach. Hell, it was a problem under several DCs during his tenure, but just infamous during Allen's time here.

 

[Taker597]

What about our secondary? We're good for 1 or 2 PI calls a game, and most of them are warranted. I think Adebo and Taylor are both good CBs, but they never turn their head to find the ball. I have to believe this is a coaching problem.

It's not just us.

 

[St. Widge]

Letting the D line pin their ears back instead of trying to run all kinds of simulated pressures was definitely the right move. The D is still very leaky on run defense, though. We're going to need upgrades in the front 7 if we want to be a top defense.

We do need to upgrade, or get better at DT and DE, but I think some of the issues with stopping the run are all the stunts and exotic pressures we were using. When you do that it makes it much harder on the LBs to get their run fits right, leaves our LBs on OL instead of free to run, and it sometimes leaves gaps where a RB can get 5 easy yards before contact.

 

[meily]

I do not think one week changed a thing, I think they just got up for a rivalry game. I think it was good to get Will Harris back.

 

[MudvilleStomper]

The addition of more man coverage seemed to help. Let the players go win their battles.

 

[B_doggman47]

I liked the way they started letting Ridgeway have more snaps on early running downs. Prior to yesterday's game, Ridgeway was barely used. On early downs I would like to see a line-up of Cam, Saunders, Ridgeway and Young. Those 4 are better at stopping the run. Hopefully Bresee can get better over time at stuffing the run. We still need to draft another big NT, LB, Safety and CB.

 

[BooBirdSaint]

Holding an opponent to 5.7 yds per rush isn't something to hang your hat on going forward. Glad the defense held on at the end of the game.
Now let's see if they can bring the consistency of effort back.

 

[sfidc3]

What about our secondary? We're good for 1 or 2 PI calls a game, and most of them are warranted. I think Adebo and Taylor are both good CBs, but they never turn their head to find the ball. I have to believe this is a coaching problem.

I understand the reason we traded Latt, and I'm ok with it.....but anyone who thinks either of these guys is even close to as good as he was is delusional.....

 

[Benleo77]

Holding an opponent to 5.7 yds per rush isn't something to hang your hat on going forward. Glad the defense held on at the end of the game.
Now let's see if they can bring the consistency of effort back.

It was the red hot Falcons with Bijan Robinson! So, that’s saying a lot! Also, the back up #25 always bangs the Saints up! He got banged up yesterday from Mr. Harris! LOL! I like it and I’m buying it! Something good is there with Ridgeway in the lineup and if Boyd gets healthy he will be in there too! Maybe it’s the rotation of all the players? Our defense played like they should yesterday! And, Chase Young closed the deal with that Sack/Strip right before the end! Hell, even Cam got his first sack this season! It’s the coaching! DA was not held in high regard by his players! When he threw Jameis under the bus and apologized to Arthur Smith, he lost his players! Now, we back to winning again! You at the least have to be happy bout dat!

 

[SirLoinSaint64]

Man up and let them play. Disguise the looks not the coverages.

 

[Deuuuuce]

I think this week we benefited from a QB who couldn’t escape the pocket. We batted down a lot of balls and made Cousins uncomfortable.
The big test will be when we have to face another mobile QB. That’s been our achilles heal the last couple of seasons. Speed and athleticism in the front 7 is still our biggest issue to me.

 

[St. Widge]

I understand the reason we traded Latt, and I'm ok with it.....but anyone who thinks either of these guys is even close to as good as he was is delusional.....

They aren't, but Lattimore was one of the very few true shutdown corners in the NFL for the last 7 years and I'm not sure anyone was really better. There is some crazy stat out there about the last time he gave up a TD and it was a long time ago. He almost never gave up a catch in man coverage.

So, there are many levels below him where a guy can be a good CB, but not close to Lattimore's level.

I do think Taylor has the skills to be very good, not Lattimore good, but he is going to need some time to transition back to outside CB from the Slot.