The surprise comes more from the warped perception one easily gets from reading posts here about how Harper can't cover anybody in the backfield, while in fact, Danno has posted stats in the past that show that Harper is in fact quite good in coverage against opposing TEs.

I'm not saying that he has been a superstar in the backfield, just that I've been pleasantly surprised by him at times - but let down at other times.

And I've posted VIDEO links showing both Harper and Jenkins getting burned...

Yeah, and Greer, Robinson, Porter never get burned?

Harper is a SS, not a CB.

You have an agenda. Every Harper mistake (and there are very few) you magnify, while ignoring the numerous mistakes everyone else makes on this defense. Its either an intentional effort to justify your weak criticisms or you simply don't know much about football.

No Agenda. I'm watching the Saints @ Seahawks playoff game and that's not Roman Harper getting burned by their TE for multiple touchdowns?!?

The Saints @ Packers last season, I posted and noted the touchdowns scored on Harper...

And I've pointed out the poor production of the front four especially with the money and investment placed there?!?

When Sam Bradford can catch Roman Harper after Harper had a jump on him for what should have been a coast to coast touchdown, then Roman Harper, you, point of fact, suck; not to mention that video shows Harper had to suck down a bottle of O2...

I've posted the video of him getting run over in the Packers game, getting torched in games against Bears, Seahawks, etc and somehow, someway some people who think they know football still drink their own coolaid...

As topics of discussion come up, and criticism of the defense is discussed, Harper inability in coverage is a major liability which must be addressed along with the lack of a front four push, pi$$-poor wussy tackling from our linebackers, and turnstyle coverage in the secondary...

If I'm less critical of the younger players, it's because I allow a couple of years of development which the discussed Drew Brees Window of opportunity doesn't allow...

Roman Harper has made the case for his suckage week after weak week; it's no agenda, it's his suckage...

Again, video evidence, multiple, multiple times has been shown on multiple threads and still some drink Harper's coolaid...

The only disappointment I've ever found with B&G is some users' inability to discuss passionately without making the discussion personal; I try to decline that course as those people may not have had a decent upbringing...

Oh, and have a nice day

You do realize we are in 2012 right? Why are you basing your argument on just prior years and not even taking into consideration this year? Everything you have said so far has been about past seasons.

Has he been terrible in coverage in the past? Absolutely!! But I also believe that had a lot to do with GW.

The point is, THIS year he has improved. His mistakes are not as glaring as another safety on this team. Why are you neglecting to say anything about Jenkins? He is this years version of your past version of Harper.

The topic of the thread is "Why is this defense so bad". So by your logic, it's so bad because Harper sucked in coverage in 2010 and 2011?? C'mon man.

That said, I would offer this solution...

If we are to salvage what we have, move to Jenkins to Strong Safety where he would be better suited as a complimentary player allowed to come up and make plays with his size...

The money that is being overspent on Harper would be used for a quality impact free agent, preferably on the defensive line or free safety...

Either way this defense, despite what I'm sure is Spagnulo's best effort, is not improving...

But how can you do that when Harper is still owed $6M is guaranteed money?

His cap hit for 2013 will be $7.1M, so after doing the math - there's no "quality impact player" than can be had for the savings made by cutting him.

After next season, he can be cut without any salary cap penalties and he would also be more attractive as a trade-bait in order to get something for him.

Harper is the most glaring weakness for opposing offenses...

Now, in regards to Jenkins, let me say that you'll find I'm on the record here as saying...

I don't like drafting Ohio State Players with the exception of certain linebackers...

He is misassigned at Free Safety and is overwhelmed, despite a Wonderlic of 23 which is actuallly pretty good for a safety...

He has not played as long as Harper, therefore, he hasn't had as many opportunities to be toasted as Harper has, so there have been fewer posts...

And I would continue to say, that the Safety Play for the Saints has been historically embarrassing these past two-three seasons...

That said, I would offer this solution...

If we are to salvage what we have, move to Jenkins to Strong Safety where he would be better suited as a complimentary player allowed to come up and make plays with his size...

The money that is being overspent on Harper would be used for a quality impact free agent, preferably on the defensive line or free safety...

Either way this defense, despite what I'm sure is Spagnulo's best effort, is not improving...