Self-scouting places running game, tackling, penalties on New Orleans’ improvement list
 

METAIRIE — As they do each year, the New Orleans Saints coaching staff took a long, hard look at their team during the bye week in trying to identify the good and bad from the first five games of the season.

To no one’s surprise, interim coach Aaron Kromer said Wednesday their self-scouting sessions revealed a couple of obvious areas they need to improve on going forward.

No. 1, he said, is a running game that’s been stuck in neutral as the Saints rank 30th in rushing offense with just 75.2 yards per game after finishing sixth last season with 132.9 yards a game.

“We looked back at those schemes, where we put people and how we executed the plays,” said Kromer, the offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

“You’re working situational running game. You’re working technique and things, and getting the running backs and offensive line put together timing-wise.”

Two other areas of concern for the coaches: tackling and penalties. The Saints had 10 penalties in each of their last two games, pushing their total for the season to 38.

“We had too many penalties in our last game, especially at home,” Kromer said. “Defensively, we need to tackle better. We need to have confidence that we can and do it and play fast.”

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Re: Self-scouting places running game, tackling, penalties on New Orleans’ improvement list
 

Poor tackling has to be addressed before anything else on defense.

Re: Self-scouting places running game, tackling, penalties on New Orleans’ improvement list
 

I have been dumb-founded as to why we don't run!?!?! Unless there is something I have missed; PT is getting the job done. He breaks out for a 9-11 yard gain and then then 45 min later we run again.

I know when you are behind, teams go to the air to try and close the gap, but dang, we haven't been that far behind in a game.

And just to double tap what Rugby said; our defense really needs to figure out how to TACKLE!

Re: Self-scouting places running game, tackling, penalties on New Orleans’ improvement list
 

Fundamental tackling would be a start!!