Tebucky dramatically improves passing defense

BillyC · 12-15-2003, 08:45 AM

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]

12-15-2003, 08:45 AM	#1
BillyC Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 842	Tebucky dramatically improves passing defense 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]
BillyC Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 842