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New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins huge factor in defense's revival

1. JENKINS PLAYING BALL

Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins has been a huge part of the defense's recent revival, making a series of big-time plays in big moments. And he came up with the biggest one yet Sunday in the first quarter, snatching an interception and returning it 55 yards for a touchdown.
Just the other day, I was talking to Jenkins about how he and the rest of the defense had made on emphasis recently on playing faster and thinking less. Some of that came from the fact that everyone is more comfortable in the Saints' new defensive system. But most of it came from the idea that they felt like they were hesitating too much instead of just attacking the ball.

And he said that's exactly what we saw on his interception return Sunday - among other big plays throughout the game from a defense that has become much more attacking instead of reactive.

"I think as of late we've just gotten to the point where it's just like, 'I know what I have, but I also know how to play football,'" Jenkins explained. "And I think guys have really leaned on their instincts to play within the scheme. And with doing that, we've been able to start playing a lot faster. And even if we do make a mistake here or there, our speed or the disruption we're causing allows somebody else to clean up our mistake."

Saints safety Roman Harper also intercepted a tipped pass in the end zone Sunday. And cornerback Jabari Greer appeared to cause a fumble that was overturned by replay review and called an incomplete pass instead. But those are all examples of the types of plays we're seeing more from the defense.

Will Smith, Tom Johnson and Jonathan Vilma all had sacks.

2. ANOTHER GOAL-LINE STAND

The defense also continued to show off its uncanny ability to hold tight inside the 1-yard line Sunday, holding the Raiders scoreless after they had a first-and-goal from the 1 in the second quarter. The Saints have now held their opponents without a touchdown on 10 different occasions this season when they had either a first or second down inside the 5-yard line.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks started things off with a big-time run stuff on first down, forcing a 1-yard loss by running back Marcel Reese. Then Raiders receiver Rod Streater was called for offensive pass interference. And two plays later on third-and-7, Harper intercepted a ball that was tipped up by tight end Brandon Myers in the end zone.

Later in the game, the Saints did allow two short touchdowns. But that first stand helped set the tone and helped to increase the growing confidence of this embattled unit.

"I don't know that I've ever seen a defense play goal-line (situations) like this one," Saints interim coach Joe Vitt said. "That's a testament to their toughness."

3. HICKS RISING

Hicks continued to shine Sunday, continuing an impressive rookie campaign. He also brought the pressure that led to Jenkins' interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter.

The third-round draft pick from Canada's University of Regina will definitely be a key building block for this defense as it continues to reshape its identity this year and into the future.

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