BillyC

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=1954186


Saints Team Report
Jeff Duncan /

The pass defense has improved dramatically through the season. CB Fred Thomas and

FS Tebucky Jones are the main reasons. Thomas has played well since he beat out Ashley Ambrose for the starting spot in Week 3. Jones hasn't made a lot of big plays, but he has excelled at preventing them, a point of emphasis for coordinator Rick Venturi.

Although the Saints torched the Giants for five touchdown passes last Sunday, the passing game largely has been a disappointment. WR Joe Horn collected four of the TD passes Sunday, but he has dropped several passes this season that could have been big plays. The inconsistency of the passing game is the biggest reason for the club's subpar season.


Rookie G Montrae Holland, who has been a pleasant surprise since moving into the lineup because of injuries to Kendyl Jacox and LeCharles Bentley, is naturally strong and capable of overpowering linemen at the point of attack. He's the perfect fit for the physical interior blocking the team's running game requires. If C Jerry Fontenot retires and Bentley moves to center, Holland figures to have a starting job next season. The coaching staff looks forward to using Holland, Bentley and Jacox, who are powerful and athletic, together.


SEE A DIFFERENT GAME


One of the keys to the team's rushing success is the unusual scheme used by coordinator Mike McCarthy. It calls for the center to identify a primary target for the fullback at the line of scrimmage before the snap. That designation is the starting point for rest of the line and backs, who then adjust their assignments. Because of the late adjustments, the Saints can run most plays regardless of the defensive alignment, personnel or movement.





[Edited on 15/12/2003 by BillyC]

Danno

At last some encouraging news/analysis about Tebucky. I think his game will step up next year also.

BillyC

When is the last time a long pass has been completed against this defense. One doesn\'t come to my mind. There certainly haven\'t been many of \'em the whole year. I think Tebucky has not tackled well, but has prevented the big plays, which goes unnoticed by some.

Danno

I haven\'t noticed because I couldn\'t make it to a live game this year. You can\'t really evaluate coverages on TV because you rarely see them.
I\'d like to hear from knowledgable fans that go to the games if they\'ve noticed he \"persuades\" opposing QB\'s to look elsewhere.

BillyC

I can\'t see it on TV either Danno. I\'m just going by the low number of big pass plays that the Saints defense has this year, as compared to last year. We got killed by big pass plays last year.