New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NOLA.com The young and the reckless: Saints 'D is feared again

Few jobs have been less desirable in recent years than the New Orleans Saints' defensive coordinator position.

On the list of worst jobs in America it ranks at the top with Cleveland Browns quarterback and New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board director.

Other than the pay, the job had little going for it. The job security was tenuous, turnover was high among your employees and your boss breathed down your neck at every turn.

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But the attractiveness of the position just might be changing with Dennis Allen in it.

In fact, for the past month, as the Saints defense has ransacked the Panthers, Dolphins and Lions, the job looks downright enticing. And credit Allen making it that way.

In case you haven't noticed, Allen is coaching his tail off this season. He's taken the youngest defense in the NFL and transformed it from a weakness to a strength.

He has coordinated a no-name lineup that at times has featured six first- or second-year players plus a trio of first-year free agents and melded it into a force.

In the past three weeks, the Saints defense has ranked among the stingiest and most dynamic in the NFL. In that span, they rank second in yards per play, second in passer rating allowed, fourth in total defense, sixth in scoring defense and seventh in passing defense. Since Week 3, the Saints lead the NFL with a plus-55 point differential, a plus-11 sack differential and are tied for third with a plus-6 turnover differential.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan, safety Kenny Vacarro and rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore are playing at Pro Bowl levels, and everyone is contributing. Six Saints have made interceptions. Ten Saints have sacked the quarterback.

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