Seer1

There's a lot we have yet to see on both sides. The biggest strength (or weakness) you see in coordinators and head coaches is what they do (or don't) at half time. That stuff just doesn't start happening until the regular season. I don't remember a game that wasn't won by the adjustments made at halftime. I've long thought Peyton was a master at that and if I have any concerns over his absence it lies in those fifteen minutes between the halves. There were some breakdowns last night granted, but there were definitely some bright spots on which to to pin our hopes. I will say this, for better or worse, this is not the defense we'll be seeing at mid season.

; Your story isn't over yet ;

SaintsBro

I am under no illusion that we will be battling against the refs this year on every single play, but yes, I saw those "jump balls" with Robinson too and thought the same exact thing about it. I think we are starting to see potential for turnovers and big plays with this defense.

Vrillon82

yeah I am thinking the same thing, I am thinking this is why replacement refs were hired.

Not only did they grab officials out of Div 3 and 4 College leagues, they got them out of Lingerie leagues, which ask the question, what is Goodells and the NFLs agenda for that?

RailBoss

I believe the signing of Steve Spagnoulo will bring a consistent level to the Defense. We probably won't see blitz's every other play anymore and actually have a smart game plan.

spkb25

It was so easy to see how our defense took a step back last week. They played worse last week than the 2 weeks prior. Nice to see them get back on track this week, but still room for improvement.

Vrillon82

If they had Sproles in this game, he would of rip them apart.

spkb25

Thank you for reminding me that our offense has been awesome without him. Damn I keep forgetting about him. Jesus we are loaded.

Rugby Saint II

Nah, it's me too.

lumm0x

Under Williams we played and were coached based on emotion. Williams could be rattled and react emotionally often leading to trying to hard to manufacture big plays when the safe play was the right one.

I think Spags will be more of a calming effect on the players who will adjust as necessary based on rational analysis of the game and not just react with "throw more blitzers" at things.

Don't get me wrong, I love aggressive defense and I love to see sacks and backfield penetration, but I hate getting burned by huge plays too. Just give me a defense that dictates what the offense can do and imposes their will by playing the right scheme at the right time and I'm a happy man.

mutineer10

Although it's certainly not in my nature, I'm cautiously optimistic about our defense. They've shown flashes of real potential this preseason, yet they've shown flashes of the SOS (Same Old Saints) defense, too. This is to be expected with a new system & new DC, though. I'm gonna keep my expectations reasonable & my fingers crossed!