Rating: (0 votes - average)

It’s often difficult, and most of the time foolish, to read anything into NFL exhibition games.

Especially in the first couple of outings.

But for what it’s worth, considering how long the starters and top backups played, the New Orleans Saints have shown something on each side of the ball in splitting their first two games.

First, it was an impressive offensive display in Sunday night’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game.

On Thursday, it was the the defense that turned in a solid performance in an otherwise dull 7-6 setback to the New England Patriots.

While most would expect the offense to look as good as it did in the first half of the Cardinals’ game, the defense’s effort had to be encouraging to anyone who’s been wondering what new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group is going to be like.

Again, it’s only preseason. But so far, so good.

In allowing 17 points in their two games, the new-look Saints have made an impression with solid tackling — something they didn’t always do a good job of over the past three seasons — and decent pass coverage.

As a bonus, they’ve forced four turnovers on three interceptions and a fumble and have four sacks while applying consistent pressure to the quarterback.

Continue reading.
Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

halloween 65

The Saints with a real D, that could be scary!!

Vrillon82

I think this is the season they will have a real Defense.

I am now actually more concerned on if the Saints can keep that offensive machine rolling with Sean Payton gone. If it stays going, their aint nothing that is going to stop the Saints.

|Mitch|

We shouldn't have to rely on the offense having to put mucho points for the win. Even though we'll do it anyway

Seer1

I stop counting after the first team leads the field. If you just look at those numbers, Who Dat's looking even more impressive? Uh huh.

The Dude

I really like the progress we have made.Lofton was a great aquisition and the players seem to be picking up the new scheme well. Spags says they still are behind but already I see a big improvement. I am very anxious to see what they look like when they are comforatable. I also like the fact that they had Shanle working with the second and third team. While I wasnt crazy about him I think he will make a servicable backup.

FinSaint

It certainly is looking promising and the fact that it's preseason makes me even more excited, because I'm sure Spags isn't showing his hand to the future opponents this early, so even in vanilla they sure are tasty!

Rugby Saint II

It's a little early for anything besides being a skeptical optomistic.

Ashley

Let's hope we have a killer d this year

saintsfan1976

All our D really needs to do is hold teams under 20 pts