3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs

New Orleans is expected to have an elite defense in 2022. Here are some areas of vulnerability facing one of the NFL's top units.

BOB ROSE 2 HOURS AGO

Throughout most of coach Sean Payton's 16-year tenure with the franchise, the New Orleans Saints were known for elite offensive production. Over the last four seasons, that narrative has changed to people who follow the team.

New Orleans has owned one of the league's top run defenses since 2018. For the last two years, they've ranked near the top of the NFL in several defensive categories.

The Saints defense reached dominant levels through most of the 2021 season. They carried an offense that slipped to the bottom of the league because of injuries and ineffective depth. They nearly carried team into the playoffs, despite a five-game losing streak at mid-season.

New Orleans suffered a few key personnel losses on the defensive side this offseason. Ball-hawking S Marcus Williams left in free agency, signing a lucrative deal with the Ravens. Veteran S Malcolm Jenkins retired, robbing the team of valuable leadership. Athletic LB Kwon Alexander remains unsigned, though a return remains possible.

The Saints moved swiftly to cover these losses, and are expected to again have one of the league's top defenses. However, here are three areas of concern for one of the NFL's best units as they head towards three OTA sessions in the coming weeks.

LINEBACKER DEPTH

The Saints have an outstanding duo of linebackers in All-Pro Demario Davis and second-year potential star Pete Werner. Davis is one of the league's best players at any position and is a ferocious playmaker in several capacities. Werner flashed the abilities of a potential Pro Bowler as a rookie and is outstanding against the run and in open space.

Without Alexander, who had his best season in 2021, there is little proven depth. Kaden Elliss is a solid run defender and can be an effective blitzer, but is a liability in coverage. Zack Baun, a third-round choice in 2020, is one of the team’s better special teams players. However, Baun simply hasn't been a fit for the Saints defensive scheme.

Rookie D'Marco Jackson, a fifth-round pick, has terrific open field skills. His combination of instincts and athleticism could make him an instant contributor. Andrew Dowell and undrafted rookie Nephi Sewell will also battle for roster spots.

New Orleans typically plays a defensive alignment with two linebackers and an extra safety. Davis and Werner can stay on the field in every situation and excel in the open field. There is a significant drop off after those two. Jackson has that kind of ability, but has yet to prove it as a Day 3 rookie draft pick.

Re-signing Alexander would give New Orleans a third starting quality linebacker. He has outstanding chemistry with Davis and is a perfect fit for the Saints scheme.

If he’s not brought back, New Orleans needs to keep their fingers crossed for good health from Davis and Werner and a rapid development from Jackson for a situational role.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

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SAFETY COMMUNICATION

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Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Communication in the defensive backfield has been mentioned here in the forum as a concern. I feel that with a full off-season and the fact that the new additions (Maye and Mathieu) are both smart veterans they will be on the same page by the time the season gets underway.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

We're not turning over too many positions with rookies. These are seasoned vets who should be able to handle their assignment.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

LB position ... we could definitely use more depth there. There is Demario, Pete & but not a whole lot of guys behind em that can cover. Zach Baun apparently isn't that dude.

Re-signing Kwon would make sense.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Do you think a post week one signing/re-signing would be a possibility? That way he wouldn't be guaranteed the full year, but only game by game. I think he may be at that point of his career. He knows the defense so he could step in weeks when needed based upon the opposing offense or injury concerns.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Quite possible, however I wonder if drafting the kid from Appalachian St was for depth if Pete assumes Kwon's role?

Something about KA though ... he has that swagger, plays fast & the defense fed off of that.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

They will sign another veteran linebacker if not Kwon! I think they’ve filled the holes and upgraded at safety! Geaux Saints!!!

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Man, I really feel like we need another RB! I don't understand why we don't trade Baun to a team that suits his skills. I know he's good at special teams but so are most of our draft picks. I believe he is eating up a roster spot.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

There will be communication issues in the secondary to start the season.

Period.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

What's up with Kwon?
Wanting too much?

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Very true, but it seems DA’s defenses have started off slowly the past few years if memory serves me correctly.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

More so than any other team with changes in the defensive backfield? More so than any team with any changes to the defensive coaching and/or schemes? If so, will those issues exceed their individual athletic abilities to still have the defense be able to perform at a high level?

Basically, there are always issues with the defensive secondary every year with every team to a degree. I believe they'll weather those issue just fine especially considering the teams we face leading off the season.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Most defenses start off slowly in the secondary.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

JFC, Guido

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

That’s an interesting thought. Who “called the plays” on-field last year for the D? I would have thought it was Davis. Does the backfield have a different caller than the LB’s? Help us out rez!

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Yes. It was Davis, with Werner as his backup with the dot. Here's all the defensive dot wearers from 2021.

Who Wears the Dot?

Team	Players
49ers	LB Fred Warner, LB Azeez Al-Shaair
Bears	LB Roquan Smith, LB Alec Ogletree
Bengals	LB Logan Wilson, LB Germaine Pratt
Bills	LB Tremaine Edmunds, LB A.J. Klein
Broncos	LB Alexander Johnson, LB Justin Strnad, LB Baron Browning, LB Kenny Young
Buccaneers	LB Devin White, LB Lavonte David
Cardinals	LB Jordan Hicks, LB Tanner Vallejo
Chiefs	LB Anthony Hitchens, LB Ben Niemann, LB Nick Bolton
Colts	LB Darius Leonard, LB Bobby Okereke
Commanders	LB Cole Holcomb, LB David Mayo
Dolphins	LB Jerome Baker, LB Sam Eguavoen
Eagles	LB Eric Wilson, LB T.J. Edwards, LB Alex Singleton
Falcons	LB Foyesade Oluokun (yes, he played 100% of ATL's defensive snaps this season)
Giants	LB Blake Martinez, LB Tae Crowder
Jaguars	LB Damien Wilson, LB Myles Jack
Jets	LB C.J. Mosley, LB Jamien Sherwood
Lions	LB Alex Anzalone, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Packers	LB De’Vondre Campbell, LB Krys Barnes
Panthers	LB Shaq Thompson, LB Jermaine Carter Jr.
Raiders	LB Denzel Perryman, LB Corey Littleton
Saints	LB Demario Davis, LB Pete Werner
Seahawks	LB Bobby Wagner, LB Cody Barton
Steelers	LB Joe Schobert, LB Robert Spillane
Texans	LB Christian Kirksey, LB Zach Cunningham, LB Neville Hewitt
Titans	LB David Long Jr., LB Jayon Brown
Vikings	LB Anthony Barr, LB Nick Vigil
Browns	LB Malcolm Smith, S John Johnson III, LB Anthony Walker Jr.
Cowboys	LB Micah Parsons, S Jayron Kearse
Chargers	S Derwin James, LB Kyzir White
Patriots	S Devin McCourty, LB Kyle Van Noy
Rams	S Jordan Fuller, LB Ernest Jones, LB Troy Reeder, S Eric Weddle
Ravens	S Chuck Clark, S Geno Stone

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

This designates the radio/headset guy. Does the backfield have an additional coordinator onfield to help put guys in place in addition? Like the shortstop and second baseman will coordinate without the outfielders.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Don't overcomplicate the argument Guido. We've seen it before and specifically in DA's defense. There will be communication issues to start the season.

I hope it doesn't cause us to lose games we "should win".

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

The Eric Wilson signing (ex-Vikings) clears up some of the stress about LB depth.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Yes. I agree there will be some of the same learning curve issues per usual. I just feel it may be a tad less of an issue with veterans (Maye and Mathieu) being plugged into starting positions as opposed to rookies as in the recent past. Lattimore, Adebo, and Ceedy should by now have a solid comfort level in Allen's scheme. This is the most seasoned secondary we have had in some time starting off a new season.

Also, something else to note is that we now have the Chief's starting safety tandem from 2021 (Mathieu and Sorensen) on the squad if Maye for any reason isn't ready.

Re: 3 Areas of Concern for the Saints Defense Heading Towards OTAs
 

Something tells me Alontae will come in and contribute immediately.

If Maye can't go, I think Dennis/Kris will come up with a better Plan B (PJ Williams) on the back end at safety.

Sorensen (below avg in coverage) is 6 waiting to happen. He fell off a cliff in 2021.