The Saints’ defense looked pitiful against Jacksonville last week, allowing huge yardage to a backfield missing it’s workhorse, and making Blaine Gabbert look like a real NFL quarterback. Totally unacceptable. Fortunately, the Saints have the opportunity to right the ship against a very talented Houston Texans’ offense, a unit that made it to the postseason despite missing starting QB Matt Schaub.
PASS DEFENSE
A constant, consistent pass rush has been the calling card for much of the preseason for the Saints’ defense. Such was not the case last week against the Jags, as New Orleans defenders were only able to register one sack. Gabbert was able to stand in the pocket with plenty of time to throw, allowing him to register a very productive performance.
Defensive line play obviously has to improve. Consistency and matchup issues hurt the Saints last week. Second year DE Cameron Jordan will see a lot of time as the team’s primary outside pass rushing option, as the team needs to adjust to life without Will Smith. Martez Wilson and Junior Galette will also see significant snaps against Houston.
Along with the defensive line, production from the secondary will also need to be put at a premium. With starting CBs Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson still out with injury, Johnny Patrick and newcomer Corey White will be counted upon to cover a talented Houston receiving corps. Missed tackles from the secondary hurt the Saints tremendously against Jacksonville, and has plagued the team for much of the preseason. Hopefully, that issue has been resolved, as poor tackling could lead to disastrous consequences.
Attention to scheme and detail will be important in this third preseason contest. Most of the regular season defensive scheme will be installed for this week, giving players somewhat of a test run before the team faces Washington in Week 1. If the defense can limit missed tackles, blown coverages, and penalties, a result similar to the New England and Arizona games should be in order.
RUN DEFENSE
Stopping the run has been the biggest issue for the defense ever since the preseason began close to two weeks ago. Missed gap assignments, poor tackling, and a general over-aggressiveness from the defense has allowed opposing running backs to gain huge and, ultimately game changing, yardage. The task of stopping the run reaches an apex this week, as the Saints face one of the best halfback tandems in the league in Arian Foster and Ben Tate.
Stopping the dynamic duo of Foster and Tate starts up front with the Saints defensive line. Production from the defensive tackle position has been subpar thus far; greater penetration and gap filling needs to take place from Sedrick Ellis and Brodrick Bunkley in order for New Orleans to have any chance of derailing the Texans‘ zone blocking scheme.
Quick reaction from the Saints‘ linebacking corps is the second step to squashing the Texans‘ running game. That assignment will be even more difficult this week, as Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne will be out nursing injuries. Newly acquired LB Barrett Ruud’s availability is still up in the air; he has only three days of practice under his belt. Expect a healthy dose of Jonathan Casillas, Nate Bussey, and Lawrence Wilson in this one.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CB Corey White
White continues to be one of the more impressive young players during the preseason. He has fit nicely into Spags’ defensive scheme, contesting passes with great regularity. His physical presence (6’1”, 205 pounds) makes White a nice match for taller receivers. Although his biggest claim to fame has been a bit of friendly smack talk, he certainly can contribute to the defensive as a dime package corner, rotating in as a nickel from time to time. He will see significant time tonight with the absences of both Greer and Robinson, giving him further experience and a leg up against the other defensive backs on the depth chart.
Tackling for Every Defensive Player
I’m sure that tackling technique was drilled over and over again by Saints coaches throughout practice this week, and with good reason – it’s been the largest issue for the defense thus far. Not properly wrapping up the ballcarrier or receiver has led to unnecessary yards and preventable points. This issue needs to be rectified, and soon. Houston provides the perfect opportunity for the Saints’ defense; the Texans have a very physically gifted roster at all of the offensive skill positions. Tonight will be a very nice test for the New Orleans defense before the regular season begins.
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