Ever since Sean Payton’s arrival in New Orleans, the defense has always been the team’s weakest link. Even with the hiring of former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the defensive success of the Saints has fluctuated from feast (2009) to famine (Alex Smith, anyone?). The hiring of a new coordinator, a new scheme, and new faces at linebacker might be the recipe for success in 2012. The defense gets its first test of the year against the Washington Redskins, a team trying to a find new offensive identity with a new franchise quarterback.
Second overall pick Robert Griffin III will make his professional debut Sunday against the Saints.
PASS DEFENSE
To call the 2011 New Orleans’ Saints pass defense porous would be a bit of an understatement; only two other teams in the league allowed more passing yards. New Orleans had trouble last year with stopping the long pass, and eliminating yards after contact, a result of poor tackling from the secondary.
The Saints hope to correct their woes defending the pass with a rededication to creating a pass rush. New defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is a welcome addition to a defense that depended too heavily on blitzing and turnover creation under Gregg Williams. Spags‘ defense relies on creating pressure on the quarterback directly through the defensive line, using a steady rotation of pass rushing ends and tackles.
Washington’s passing game in 2011 was unspectacular, but not horrendous, averaging 235.8 yards per game (14th in the NFL). This is an amazing accomplishment considering that a Rex Grossman/John Beck quarterback battle heading into last year’s training camp was something that actually took place. Yikes.
Much has changed for the Redskins’ offense since then. Washington traded a bevy of draft picks to move up and select Baylor QB Robert Griffin III with the second overall selection. Griffin III, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, brings a unique skill set to the NFL; his speed (he once considered becoming an Olympian in track and field) and accuracy (he posted a 72.4% completion percentage last year) could make RG3 a future superstar. Along with Griffin III, Washington added former Colts WR Pierre Garçon to give the offense more of a deep threat.
The Saints have a tall task ahead. Creating consistent pressure on the rookie QB will be needed in order to create 3rd and long situations. DEs Cameron Jordan and Martez Wilson will need to be relentless in their pass rushing. Griffin III has the ability to escape the pocket and throw on the run; this may mean the Saints have to keep a linebacker assigned to him for a majority of the snaps.
Limiting long passing plays is also very important for New Orleans. Along with Garçon, the Redskins feature the speedy Santana Moss and Leonard Hankerson at wide receiver, as well as Josh Morgan, who is another solid option. Keeping all of Washington’s receivers out of the deeper parts of the secondary will be the responsibilities of both the defensive backfield (by keeping close coverage and limiting separation) and the defensive front (by creating the all-important aforementioned pass rush).
Washington also boasts the potential to develop a strong intermediate passing attack. TE Fred Davis is quietly becoming one of the better receiving options at his position in the league, and his large frame (6’4”, 247 pounds) allows for mid-range passing opportunities in the middle of the field. Assigning a safety or a faster outside linebacker should help slow Davis, but occasionally throwing double-coverage at him might be a good alternative. Expect Griffin III to look Davis‘ way on third downs.
RUN DEFENSE
The New Orleans Saints’ run defense from a year ago was actually half-decent; the team surrendered an average of 108.6 yards per game, good for 12th in the NFL. The average amount of yards allowed per attempt, however, was less than satisfactory, sitting at five (tied for 29th). These two very different statistics show that opposing teams abandoned the run fairly early on (most had to play catch-up against the Saints), but maintained a good per carry average.
The additions of Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rogers during the 2011 offseason were supposed to shore up the leaky run defense. Such was not the case. This offseason, Franklin and Rogers were not retained, but the front office did add veteran DT Broderick Bunkley. The trio of Bunkley, Sedrick Ellis, and surprising rookie Tyrunn Walker will see plenty of time during the season as the team’s main run cloggers.
The Redskins’ running attack in 2011 ranked near the bottom of the league, only averaging 100.9 yards per game (25th). According to Pro Football Talk, Washington will implement a “running back by committee” system, going with whatever player is doing well for that particular game. A rotation of Roy Helu, Evan Royster, and Alfred Morris will be used by the Redskins in order to gain yards on the ground.
It is important for the Saints not to focus in on one particular back over another, keeping in mind that all three will see meaningful carries on Sunday. Establishing the line of scrimmage will be key for the interior of the New Orleans defensive line, keeping Washington’s offensive front off balance. Erasing a running game will do wonders for the defense as a whole; it will help the Saints win the time possession battle, keeping the defense rested and refreshed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DE Will Smith
Thanks to a certain appeals panel overseeing the bounty case in court, Smith will be eligible to play Sunday. He was put back on the active roster today. Although he did not practice this week, his reinstatement is welcomed for this week. Smith, arguably the defensive line’s best player, will provide not only a needed pass rush, but veteran presence as well for a young defensive front. His presence might tip the scales in his team’s favor.
CB Patrick Robinson
With Jabari Greer still listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game, Robinson will be counted upon by the Saints’ defense. He will most likely be assigned to either Garçon or Moss when the secondary is in man coverage; Robinson cannot allow his receiver to break away for huge gains or yards after contact. Tackling has been an issue for the secondary during the preseason, and Robinson will need to set the example by quickly wrapping up the ballcarrier.
LB Curtis Lofton
Lofton, who missed time in the preseason with an ankle injury, has the tall task of leading the Saints’ defense for the first time in a real game. His knowledge of the Steve Spagnuolo defensive scheme will be fully tested, as he will be in charge of making necessary in-game adjustments and making sure that everyone is in position.
PREDICTION
Robert Griffin III will turn out to be a star in the NFL some day. That day will not be tomorrow. A pumped up crowd, fresh off of celebrating the reinstatement of Vilma and Smith, will fuel a hungry defense eager to improve upon the preseason. Brees and his receivers will carve up a secondary missing both starting safeties, Jimmy Graham will have a particularly impressive day, and the Saints will start off the 2012 season on the right foot.
Saints 34, Redskins 21
