New Orleans Saints linebackers Chris Chamberlain and David Hawthorne enjoy their roles in the new defense
 

The New Orleans Saints have spent a lot of their offseason implementing a new defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

"I think every day it gets a little bit easier for us," said linebacker David Hawthorne. "On the defense, we are starting to sync up and really understand what Spags is asking out of each defense that he is calling."

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New Orleans Saints linebacker David Hawthorne is loving it here
In post-practice comments Tuesday, New Orleans Saints linebacker David Hawthorne, picked up from the Seattle Seahawks, talks about how much fun he's having in Spags' aggressive, 'downhill' defense.
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One thing Hawthorne said he enjoys is the aggressive nature of the defense.

"It's a defense for linebackers to come down here and make plays," he said. "He (Spagnuolo) asks a lot of us. I think as a linebacker corps, we are really advanced right now. We're pretty much doing everything he is asking of us."

Chris Chamberlain spent time under Spagnuolo in St. Louis, so he has experience with this defense.

"I've been at it a while and know it really well," he said. "I'm currently playing all three (linebacker) positions, so they're obviously putting a lot on my plate, but it has been nice coming in and having that comfort level and knowledge of the scheme."

Chamberlain has used his experience in the defense to help out the players that are learning.

"I've kind of been an assistant linebackers coach here for the first couple weeks of camp, and rightfully so," he said. "I want to be that guy that guys can come to and ask questions, be able to help them out, and give them some inside knowledge."

Chamberlain said his teammates have been picking up the defense quicker than he's ever seen it.

"I think I can tell you that Spags hasn't tried to install this much this fast before," he said. "He's putting a lot of pressure on people right now, mentally, to learn their stuff. Obviously, game plan wise, we are going to cut it down and back off a little bit. I don't think I've seen an install this fast, being picked up this well."

The defensive line, which drew some criticism for its play last season, will be a key component of the new defense.

"In certain situations we are banking on the up-front pressure. It is just a gap sound defense. Everybody has a role," Hawthorne said. "For us right now we are just doing our one eleventh. Everybody is just kind of learning their role in the defense and trying to master that."

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Our LB'ers might go from worst to first. We have a talented starting core and what I hope are some players ready to step it up.

I am liking the sound of this. I can feel excited more and more each day with the reports from camp on how well the defense is doing. This year is going to be special and I can't wait!