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The New Orleans Saints defense knew what was coming.


Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams yells "If you are allergic to hitting, go play for someone else" in the practices after the preseason game loss to Houston.
Gregg Williams gathered his defenders at midfield Monday and ordered them to drop and give him 30.
The punitive session of up-downs set an early tone for the Saints defense this week. They are in sunny California, but this would not be a week of vacation for Williams' group.
That's what happens when you stink up the field like the Saints did Saturday in Houston. You're treated like Pop Warner kids.
"We expected to do 50 (up-downs), and we only got 30, so that was a victory," strong safety Roman Harper said. "But that's Gregg. It's part of his madness."
Madness probably wouldn't accurately describe Williams' emotions after the Saints' dismal performance in Texas. Players said Williams and linebackers coach Joe Vitt tore into the unit throughout and after the 27-14 loss.
This week, though, Williams has been surprisingly tame. Other than the disciplinary debut, he has largely maintained a low-key profile. Perhaps he's practicing reverse psychology, but he has spent much of the club's 2 1/2-hour workouts teaching and encouraging rather than his customary fire-and-brimstone routine.
Clearly, though, the performance gnaws at Williams. He has declined media requests all week. In fact, the irascible defensive coordinator hasn't spoken to reporters since before the exhibition opener against San Francisco.
Even though he isn't speaking to the media, he has certainly communicated his message loud and clear to his defense this week. The defense had four interceptions Wednesday, including two against Drew Brees to end the workout.

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homerj07

Knock on wood - that they play better. If not gonna be a loooooong season!

jnormand

Will the real Saints Defense please stand up?

xan

I don't think that there's going to be much in the way of a "test" in Oakland. It could be that this game will be about finding a rhythm in the first half for the #1's and seeing if three weeks of learning he system can solidify #2's slot in the roster. They have to drop 37 players in 10 days. Despite some criticism this is a very deep 90 man group. It will be interesting to see who earns their tap.

Mardigras9

2 more Drew interceptions? Need to see a return to fundamentals this week for the Defense. Again, I'm holding out on judgement until Sept 8.

|Mitch|

They are a pretty decent rushing team; I think they were #2 last year? Should be a good test to see if those tackling drills are doing what their supposed to...

welborn2000

The DL has to win in the trenches or it will be a long season!!! It looked like they got pushed around in the Houston game causing the LBs to cover more space!!!

AlaskaSaints

SHOW ME

Alaska

saintfan

Fixed that for ya.