Saints hoping to improve on 23rd-ranked run defense
 

METAIRIE, La. – When the Saints signed defensive tackle Shaun Rogers prior to the NFL lockout, there were question marks as to whether he would A) fit in with the locker room and B) have the drive to succeed.

The move to get Aubrayo Franklin was met with different sentiment. He was rated one of the best interior defensive linemen on the free agent market.

Eight games into the season neither have stood out on the field and both have said little off of it.

They have a combined 34 tackles with no sacks, no forced fumbles and no fumble recoveries.

Full article.
Saints hoping to improve on 23rd-ranked run defense | wwltv.com New Orleans

What I can't see is our SS and FS being the ones with the most tackles on the team, this is one of those " COME ON MAN" moments. We need the boys to show up each and every game. Earn your money boys or next year someone hungry might.

Not unexpected because Harper and Jenkins play nearly every snap. Our front four rotates 8 guys in and out so logically no one will rack up a lot of tackles.

Now our LB's? Don't get me started. :rolleyes:

Vilma is normally miles ahead in the tackle department, does anyone else think that this injury keeping him out of practice is affecting him during games, I just don't see his normal exploding towards the ball carrier as I used to.

As for rogers and franklin, we were teased by the idea of two monsters stopping the run up the middle and even generating a steady pass rush, neither have come true.
The turnovers aren't there and neither is the run defense, that's why they struggle, in 2009 our run D was average at best but the turnovers made up for it ( Darren sharper)

YEAHHHH SO MUCH FOR THAT BAD A D-LINE sspppphhhhhhsshhhhh

How many tight ends do you think we'll draft this year? Better use every choice on defense. We are starting to look like the old Cardinals and Chargers. Great offense zero defense.

I agree with DANNO with all the rotation but them LB's and Shanle in particular UGGHH!

We have to address linebacker in the draft, or in FA, after the season. No one seems to be stepping up. We need an animal in the middle of the field. Makes me wish we would have gone after Hawke harder in the off season.

defense start at ss harper hes constantly beaten loss in coverage sorry harper good on rushing absolutly suck in coverage then its the lacking interor lineman jeessss shawn you are a monster get the lead out of your ass and get mean

OLB and DE's. Is where my money is. I guess we keep drafting them and hopefully we hit the lottery.

It really isn't a good sign when you're SS and FS or leading the team in tackles the next one on the list of ours is Greer!!!

I did some research and saw that about half the teams if the SS or FS even CB leading the team in tackles their D was below average or poor. If the D's were good their OLB or MLB was leading the team in tackles. Makes sense doesn't it?

Every team rotates players in certain situations. So I am not going to paint any excuses for our guys. You put your best players in situations to make plays. Our DE's and OLBs simply aren't getting the job down and getting crushed.

Any possibility it is the scheme? At some point do we have to think this? How can guys, like AF, be successful elsewhere, but come here and not be? It just doesn't add up. Something is a miss, and I have a hard time believing it is constantly the personnel.

LB does seem to be an issue. I hope that JV's injury is his issue, and I am sure it is, but I don't get it.

Can you say 3-4?...i agree...A.F is a beast in that formation..

I agree with Diz88 I think Vilma is carrying a more serious injury than they are disclosing. Normally Vilma carries the D and usually 1st or 2nd on almost every play.

Cut Shanle problem solved

Well except that little bitty problem that we don't yet have anyone any better than he is to play OLB.

We have drafted well on offense, however, the picks on defense?
2011 too early for conclusion
Cam Jordan, Martez Wilson, Johnny Patrick, Greg Romeus, Nate Bussey.
2010 Patrick Robinson, Al Woods
2009 Malcolm Jenkins, Chip Vaughn, Stanley Arnoux.
2008 Sedrick Ellis, Tracy Porter, DeMario Pressley.
2007 Usama Young, David Jones, Marvin Mitchell.
2006 Roman Harper, Rob Ninkovich, Josh Lay
2005 Josh Bullocks, Alfred Fincher, Jason Jefferson, Jimmy Verdon.

How many have made a major impact for our team?

I still say move Vilma to the outside and Wilson to the middle, less ground for Vilma to cover,Wilson is heavier and faster and played the middle in college. Take your pick on the other side.