Saints' defense stunk
 

No question about it: Saints' defense stunk- NOLA.com

We need to improve our defense," Payton said flatly.

Start at the top, with coordinator Gary Gibbs. And either replace him, or give him a chance to change the players he's asking to perform, or the philosophy that's keeping the players he has from performing.

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

DeShazier speaks the truth. The question is whether or not Payton and Loomis have the guts to detonate the current defense and start over.

SFIAH

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

They do not need to start over. The need key upgrades. We have a great collection of backups that fit the teams style. The problem is they are starting. But it is hard to say thats a problem. When you do upgrade the unit you have a solid rotation with plenty of playing time. Thats a good thing. except the secondary. Some simply must go

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

That's what they supposedly did last offseason. It didn't work very well.
You do know what they call trying the same thing over again but expecting a different result?

Putting new starters out on the field is detonating the defense. Most likely the Saints need 7 new starting defensive players: DT, MLB, WLB, both corners, and both safeties. It may even be possible that we currently have those players on staff. But IMO B. Young, Simineaux, Shanlee, David, Bullocks, and probably Harper all need to be riding pine, or in the case of UFA playing somewhere else, in September 2008. Also MacKenzie isn't going to be ready until midseason, so we need someone in his spot.

As for Gibbs, he needs to be let go because of his inability to adjust. When you don't have the personnel to run the defense you want to run, you adjust your defense to the personnel that you have. Also it seems obvious to many of us that many starters out there are worse than the backups. So why are they playing. When scheme and talent evaluation is that bad, then a change needs to be made.

This defense cannot be tweaked. Fundamental changes in scheme, personnel, philosophy, and coaching need to be make.

I see no reason to sugar coat the truth. Change it and change it now before it gets worse.

SFIAH

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

I look at the unit and I agree we have few true starters but we do have more than some players that are good back ups, for now. Concentrate on starters more than back ups in FA is my only point. We got plenty of them. Stick with the one and two year contracts we have been doing, so you have an out as replacements are found. Thats all. Just do not go cut crazy. Just not yet. Spread it out over two or three years. Now the CB that a whole different story. As I look at it we have two keepers and one we are stuck with. So FA and the draft can upgrade it quickly.

Read an old blog I wrote earlier this year and I go into more details on the player we have on defense.

Rent A Defense - Black and Gold Forums

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

I think Harper is good enough to play, keep in mind he's got virtually no one helping him and it was almost just like his rookie year this year. I say give him another opportunity - as for bullocks, BYE.

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

Harpers and bullocks have had one full year together. Thats it. Does the play need to improve? Yes. I say give Harper a break and if Bullocks can be resigned at a good price sign him. I would like to see the both of them play under some new coaching or at least tweak the system a bit. With age of the secondary I would hate to loss any youth at this time. At one time we all praised both players.

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

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I agree I think Harper will be a well above average safety given half the chance. However Bullocks is not good enough in coverage to be a safety. He is our Roy Williams. He needs to bulk up and play linebacker or ride the pine. Our corners are not good enough to have average or below average coverage safeties on the field.

McKenzie had an ACL tear, he will not play next year, a CB almost more than any other position is twisting and turning in every direction on every play, he has to not pnly get physically healthy in that knee, he needs to get mentally ready. Believe with an ACL tear myself the mental part is the hardest to overcome. It normally takes a player a year to get back to where they were physically before the injury.

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

I think Harper can turn into A Bob Sanders type player. He is not as talented as Sanders but I think he makes some pretty good hits at times. He did look bad a couple of times but for the most part he makes some good tackles. We also have to remember he was coming off of a knee injury in 06 so he should be back to 100% for 2008.

Re: Saints' defense stunk
 

Harper gets a pass, a few good plays and he is in position most of the time. Bullocks has to go (back-up role). I would rather have old Sammy Knight back