Imperfect611
Starter
The Byrd returns and the defense seems alive again. After a move to a Cover 2 style defense our Saints have somehow found a way to put out pressure through patience. The defense overall let up only one play of over 20 yards last game against the Texans and seem to be determined to force teams to move the ball 4 yards at a time. How any team is going to move the ball if they get caught behind downs is beyond me. When asked what the key to the defense was coach Jeff Fisher said only one word, "discipline." Following is another positional breakdown of the Saints.
D-Backs
Byrd's Eye View:
Jarius Byrd is back as the defensive captains and is everywhere on the field. Not a single play could get by this man and QBs seems scared to throw in his direction. He has stepped up as one of the two on field tutors (along with Johnathan Joseph) teaching the young players how to dominate the game. Over the top will be a dangerous choice for opposing offenses this year.
Bash Brothers:
Cyprian and Mathieu are an interesting combo. Both were considered questionable signings from the start from everyone around the league arguing that Cyprian can't cover and Mathieu can't play corner. And while they both have their flaws these two have been a terror on the field. Together they picked up the name Bash Brothers because while they may not always be in the right position to swat the ball, no WR is safe when these guys are nearby. Cyprian caused 3 dropped passes in just one quarter against the Texans' elite receiving core and Mathieu was a force to be reckoned with in the run game sealing off the edge to a dangerous Forte. Mathieu also showed the origins of his other nickname of Honey Badger holding Brandon Marshall to zero receptions due to step for step coverage.
Old Dog with New Tricks:
With the signing of Johnathan Joseph it signified the final piece of the puzzle for the Saints' secondary. While he has lost a few steps throughout his excellent career, he is still a lock-down corner. He showed weakness when the play is extended and on deep routes versus athletic receivers, but with the scheme the Saints have been running it seems they are very conscience of avoiding this situation. Expect great things from this great player.
A Battle:
Butler has been out of favor after a bad showing in summer camp and week 1 of preseason, but nobody expect him to possibly be demoted to dime back. Robert Alford has been making a great case for CB3 and this is a battle we will need to watch as the season progresses.
Linebackers
A Struggle Subsided:
MLB has been a tough position to fill. Dak Ward was drafted to fill the role, but Coach Fisher saw great potential for him on the outside. Kavell Conner seems to be the first choice for the position. MLB is the centerpiece to almost any defense and a man with such a wealth of experience is great to have in the role. This will be a place to watch though. This year this position will never be a true lock-down and one bad game could sway the staff.
True Weapons:
OLB is another story. Jamal Myrick went from trading block to star and Dak Ward is proving himself to be a front runner for DROY if he keeps up this pace. Myrick last year was a great great player underutilized and he shines in the Cover 2 scheme. Ward however was predicted to be an average 1st round pick, but Fisher and the owner saw greatness in this man. MLB may be in question, but with these two surrounding you anyone can look dangerous.
D-Line
Everyone Moves:
To start lets list the positional changes from last year...
Hau'oli Kikaha
ROLB > RE
64 > 85
Dangerous Speed Rusher and master of breaking double teams. Struggles against the run sometimes, but that is why he is next to our next man.
Cameron Jordan
RE > DT
88 > 92
Nobody can block this man yet. He causes havoc in every backfield and makes the QB think twice about waiting on routes to develop. Sure to get sacks or cause bad throws in every game
Akiem Hicks
LE > DT
81 > 85
Nobody runs past the immovable object. It takes multiple blockers to even make him flinch.
Jaye Howard
DT > LE
74 > 81
This man showed up in Summer ready to win a starting job and he did that and then some. He seems to be able to do everything even chasing down the likes of Mark Ingram and Robert Turbin trying to get the edge.
In the end the Saints defense looks like a well oiled machine that seems determined to make you beat them at their own game which they are masters at.
D-Backs
Byrd's Eye View:
Jarius Byrd is back as the defensive captains and is everywhere on the field. Not a single play could get by this man and QBs seems scared to throw in his direction. He has stepped up as one of the two on field tutors (along with Johnathan Joseph) teaching the young players how to dominate the game. Over the top will be a dangerous choice for opposing offenses this year.
Bash Brothers:
Cyprian and Mathieu are an interesting combo. Both were considered questionable signings from the start from everyone around the league arguing that Cyprian can't cover and Mathieu can't play corner. And while they both have their flaws these two have been a terror on the field. Together they picked up the name Bash Brothers because while they may not always be in the right position to swat the ball, no WR is safe when these guys are nearby. Cyprian caused 3 dropped passes in just one quarter against the Texans' elite receiving core and Mathieu was a force to be reckoned with in the run game sealing off the edge to a dangerous Forte. Mathieu also showed the origins of his other nickname of Honey Badger holding Brandon Marshall to zero receptions due to step for step coverage.
Old Dog with New Tricks:
With the signing of Johnathan Joseph it signified the final piece of the puzzle for the Saints' secondary. While he has lost a few steps throughout his excellent career, he is still a lock-down corner. He showed weakness when the play is extended and on deep routes versus athletic receivers, but with the scheme the Saints have been running it seems they are very conscience of avoiding this situation. Expect great things from this great player.
A Battle:
Butler has been out of favor after a bad showing in summer camp and week 1 of preseason, but nobody expect him to possibly be demoted to dime back. Robert Alford has been making a great case for CB3 and this is a battle we will need to watch as the season progresses.
Linebackers
A Struggle Subsided:
MLB has been a tough position to fill. Dak Ward was drafted to fill the role, but Coach Fisher saw great potential for him on the outside. Kavell Conner seems to be the first choice for the position. MLB is the centerpiece to almost any defense and a man with such a wealth of experience is great to have in the role. This will be a place to watch though. This year this position will never be a true lock-down and one bad game could sway the staff.
True Weapons:
OLB is another story. Jamal Myrick went from trading block to star and Dak Ward is proving himself to be a front runner for DROY if he keeps up this pace. Myrick last year was a great great player underutilized and he shines in the Cover 2 scheme. Ward however was predicted to be an average 1st round pick, but Fisher and the owner saw greatness in this man. MLB may be in question, but with these two surrounding you anyone can look dangerous.
D-Line
Everyone Moves:
To start lets list the positional changes from last year...
Hau'oli Kikaha
ROLB > RE
64 > 85
Dangerous Speed Rusher and master of breaking double teams. Struggles against the run sometimes, but that is why he is next to our next man.
Cameron Jordan
RE > DT
88 > 92
Nobody can block this man yet. He causes havoc in every backfield and makes the QB think twice about waiting on routes to develop. Sure to get sacks or cause bad throws in every game
Akiem Hicks
LE > DT
81 > 85
Nobody runs past the immovable object. It takes multiple blockers to even make him flinch.
Jaye Howard
DT > LE
74 > 81
This man showed up in Summer ready to win a starting job and he did that and then some. He seems to be able to do everything even chasing down the likes of Mark Ingram and Robert Turbin trying to get the edge.
In the end the Saints defense looks like a well oiled machine that seems determined to make you beat them at their own game which they are masters at.