The Saints Secondary Will Be Better in 2007

blacksaint · 08-04-2007, 01:22 AM

Posted by Tom Mantzouranis

This is how bad the Saints' secondary got torched at times last season: NFL Films is currently putting together a new anthology DVD entitled Fred Thomas: Burnt Toast. But while Thomas has become the whipping boy for critics, the secondary as a whole, besides Mike McKenzie (who had another typically solid, underappreciated season), underachieved.

So improving there, especially with guys who could thieve the ball, was key in the offseason. And if the reports out of camp so far are any indication, this group should be much better on the back end, thanks specifically to two newcomers.

Jason David (pictured) has drawn rave reviews from camp attendees for his ability to stick to a receiver and break up passes. David hasn't been overtly physical (not a surprise given his size), but he's made up for that by reading and reacting well. He's managed to hold his own with Marques Colston, who has eight inches and 50 pounds over David, and Devery Henderson, one of the fastest players in the league. That's a pretty good barometer.

Then there's rookie Usama Young. Young missed the first three days of camp with an injury but has since looked like the defense's best athlete. His physical skills -- 4.39 speed and a 43'' vertical jump -- were evident at his pro day, and sent his stock skyrocketing, but Young has proven to have a good head for the game as well. Since he's returned, he's intercepted at least one pass per practice, and has come up big on a number of other plays. The way things are looking right now, the nickel spot is open. Young could certainly ascend into that spot if he keeps playing the way he has thus far.

I think it's safe to say that there's nothing to worry about on offense. As long as the defense is marginally better, this team should be dandy. Luckily, the infusion of talent seems to be paying off.

08-04-2007, 01:22 AM	#1
blacksaint DARE TO ENTER Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Home Sweet Home, NEW ORLEANS, La. Posts: 1,154	The Saints Secondary Will Be Better in 2007 Posted by Tom Mantzouranis This is how bad the Saints' secondary got torched at times last season: NFL Films is currently putting together a new anthology DVD entitled Fred Thomas: Burnt Toast. But while Thomas has become the whipping boy for critics, the secondary as a whole, besides Mike McKenzie (who had another typically solid, underappreciated season), underachieved. So improving there, especially with guys who could thieve the ball, was key in the offseason. And if the reports out of camp so far are any indication, this group should be much better on the back end, thanks specifically to two newcomers. Jason David (pictured) has drawn rave reviews from camp attendees for his ability to stick to a receiver and break up passes. David hasn't been overtly physical (not a surprise given his size), but he's made up for that by reading and reacting well. He's managed to hold his own with Marques Colston, who has eight inches and 50 pounds over David, and Devery Henderson, one of the fastest players in the league. That's a pretty good barometer. Then there's rookie Usama Young. Young missed the first three days of camp with an injury but has since looked like the defense's best athlete. His physical skills -- 4.39 speed and a 43'' vertical jump -- were evident at his pro day, and sent his stock skyrocketing, but Young has proven to have a good head for the game as well. Since he's returned, he's intercepted at least one pass per practice, and has come up big on a number of other plays. The way things are looking right now, the nickel spot is open. Young could certainly ascend into that spot if he keeps playing the way he has thus far. I think it's safe to say that there's nothing to worry about on offense. As long as the defense is marginally better, this team should be dandy. Luckily, the infusion of talent seems to be paying off.
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