Analyzing Saints' D revival - ESPN
 

Sharper, 33, already has a league-best five interceptions, after getting just one in 16 games with Minnesota last year. The Saints didn't register their 10th interception in 2008 until the 11th game of the season.

New Orleans' three defensive touchdowns -- the two interception returns by Sharper and a recovery in the end zone by nose tackle Remi Ayodele last week -- are as many as the Saints scored in their previous 25 games. Twenty-third in the league in total defense in 2008, New Orleans is ninth through four games this year.

It all marks quite a turnaround for the previously non-resourceful Saints, but one that Williams, arguably the franchise's premier offseason acquisition, has come to expect from his defenses. In his previous three incarnations as a coordinator -- with Tennessee in 1997, Washington in 2004 and Jacksonville in 2008 -- Williams promulgated a defensive turnaround. The units typically improved statistically under his tutelage. Washington, for instance, went from 25th in 2003 to No. 3 in 2004, but the biggest improvements were usually in takeaways and in takeaway/turnover differential.

That's been the case this season as well.

Although he announced in the spring that he wasn't in New Orleans "to be a savior," Williams has salvaged one of the NFL's most porous defenses, and he has enacted the transformation while instituting only three lineup changes.

"You want to keep talking about [the turnover mentality] until it becomes like second nature to your guys," Williams said. "Taking the ball away, and maybe being able to score when you do it … it's a big boost."

In fact, it's a very big boost.

NFL: New Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams reinforces turnover mindset - ESPN

Re: Analyzing Saints' D revival /// ESPN
 

I like it.....

Re: Analyzing Saints' D revival - ESPN
 

I've been preaching for years that the problem with the defense wasn't solely talent. That scheme and attitude were both crucial elements.

For the last two years there's been a lot of "get 'em gone" talk about Smith and Grant. They don't even look like the same guys any more. Why? They are healthy and Williams wants them to get to the QB instead of that "Read and React" crap.

Gibbs was a first time DC in the NFL. Williams is a proven vet, a former HC, who learned at the feet of one of the best: Buddy Ryan.

This defense can now hold its own. This defense can now win games for you. This defense is dictating to the offense, not the other way around.

And that's way (uh huh, uh huh) I like it! :D

SFIAH

Re: Analyzing Saints' D revival - ESPN
 

Well said SFIAH.