blacksaint

Posted by Tom Mantzouranis

This is how bad the Saints' secondary got torched at times last season: NFL Films is currently putting together a new anthology DVD entitled Fred Thomas: Burnt Toast. But while Thomas has become the whipping boy for critics, the secondary as a whole, besides Mike McKenzie (who had another typically solid, underappreciated season), underachieved.

So improving there, especially with guys who could thieve the ball, was key in the offseason. And if the reports out of camp so far are any indication, this group should be much better on the back end, thanks specifically to two newcomers.

Jason David (pictured) has drawn rave reviews from camp attendees for his ability to stick to a receiver and break up passes. David hasn't been overtly physical (not a surprise given his size), but he's made up for that by reading and reacting well. He's managed to hold his own with Marques Colston, who has eight inches and 50 pounds over David, and Devery Henderson, one of the fastest players in the league. That's a pretty good barometer.

Then there's rookie Usama Young. Young missed the first three days of camp with an injury but has since looked like the defense's best athlete. His physical skills -- 4.39 speed and a 43'' vertical jump -- were evident at his pro day, and sent his stock skyrocketing, but Young has proven to have a good head for the game as well. Since he's returned, he's intercepted at least one pass per practice, and has come up big on a number of other plays. The way things are looking right now, the nickel spot is open. Young could certainly ascend into that spot if he keeps playing the way he has thus far.

I think it's safe to say that there's nothing to worry about on offense. As long as the defense is marginally better, this team should be dandy. Luckily, the infusion of talent seems to be paying off.

saint4life
(504)

LongTimeFan

I have high hopes for Jason, he will make our defense much better compared to last season, good size, speed and knows the game very well.
I couldn't believe it when the Saints signed him, the Colts lost a very good corner which in turn will hurt their secondary this season.

bobcat4u2

this improved secondary play is going to also increase the run defense capabilitywe can put 8 in the box when you can trust your secondary

BlueDevil1978

I'm banking on Jason David getting ultra-pumped going back to Indy and having a career game, picking off the QB that he's been practicing against for the last few years and returing in for TD. It'ld be nice to start off 1-0.

avlsaint55

This defense will be better this year and will make offenses think long and hard on just what they want to do. We don't have the so called "Big Name" stud on defense but we play a great brand of TEAM ball that will only get better with the free agent veterans and draft picks finding their spots on the team. These guys trust each other to do their jobs and make things happen.

leilung

I didn't see the whole game (scrimmage?) last night but where was Roman?

Turbo Saint

i believe roman harper was still feeling a bit of pain from his knee surgery...i think.

hagan714

Big Ben was playing good. You can not take anything away from him. The coverage was a bit more than loose. 1 preseason game down and 4 to go. I am not all that happy. we better play better on offenese and put alot of points on the board if we are to win. 4 more to go lets hope they do alot better or the nfl scoring record will be ours if we want to get to the superbowl.
Harper sitting was a wise move.