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The Saints’ defense showed great improvement in most areas in Week 3. But in order to get their first road win of the season Sunday night at Dallas, they must figure out how to start forcing turnovers.

The Saints (1-2) have now gone 11 quarters without a takeaway. And they have just five over their past 14 games.

Turnovers were the Saints’ No. 1 priority in the offseason. They signed ball-hawking safety Jairus Byrd to a $54 million contract. And they emphasized turnovers relentlessly in practices.

What’s especially head-scratching is that New Orleans has an excellent pass rush, led by Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette. But even when the defense has played great (last week against Minnesota and most of last season), the turnovers haven’t come.

“That goes with population to the ball. That goes with the pass rush. There’s so many things that can go into that, that I don’t think you can just hand out a tip sheet and say, ‘We need more takeaways,’” Saints coach Sean Payton said.

The Cowboys should provide an opportunity. They’re tied for fourth in the NFL with seven giveaways, and Tony Romo is tied for first with four interceptions.

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Jack Vegas

Why do people keep talking about making turnovers? I feel like I'm on crazy pills. How about we just start tackling and covering better??? Is that just too simple an idea?

hagan714

every time the turn over battle becomes the battle cry the defense goes down the tubes.

sloppy tackling going after the ball
trying to anticipate throws and blowing coverage
reckless pass rush to pressure the QB and get sacks leaves escape lanes all over the place.

play solid defense and the turnovers will come.
play over aggressive and a good QB will make you pay all game long.

Euphoria

Yeah I with you guys on this... you play good/great D and the turnovers will happen.

Rugby Saint II

You can swat at the ball all you like but you must bring down the ball carrier......and not ten yards down the field.

Danno

Tackle better, cover better and the turnovers will come, especially since we have better hands in the secondary.

WHODATINCA

That is one of the things I love most about TR.

And, the reason I mention a desire for takeaways is because when the turnover ratio is in your favor -- teams have a dramatically better chance of winning. And, when we win, I feel happy.

QBREES9

Tony Romo is tied for first with four interceptions. This is great news!

triman

Gang tackling ,putting big hits on opponents,Blanket coverage,QB hurries hiding coverages and turnovers happen

Mardigras9

If they don't get a single turnover, but hold Dallas to FG's, it should easily be enough.