Rating: (0 votes - average)

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. — The assumption after Junior Galette was released earlier this week was that either Anthony Spencer or Hau’oli Kikaha were going to fill the pass rusher’s void.

Those assumptions were wrong. Early indications at training camp suggest the Saints plan to move Cam Jordan into Galette’s former role, which has led to several other changes within the base defense.

If the move takes, it would put Jordan, who collected 20 sacks over the last two seasons, in a position where he could primarily focus on getting after quarterbacks. In his previous position, which was more of a 5- or 6-technique role, he often found himself up against a guard and tackle.

In the new role, he would line up to the inside shoulder of the tight end, which should provide a clearer path to the quarterback. In theory, by sliding over, he should face fewer obstacles on his way to the quarterback.

“We felt like some of his best production has come obviously when we are in (our sub defense),” coach Sean Payton said. “He is an outside player, but I think his versatility is a plus. I see him as a guy that can play that end position for us.”

Jordan spent the majority of his snaps lined up in that spot, dubbed “Jack” by the Saints, during Thursday’s practice at The Greenbrier. However, Jordan’s shift left a vacancy at his old spot, which was filled by Akiem Hicks. Kevin Williams and John Jenkins served as the defensive tackles.


Read more: Saints changes on defense include possible new role for Cam Jordan, more single-high safety looks | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

jeanpierre

That's a terrible idea; if he can't play the 3-4 end, we should've moved him, not extended him...

He's too slow to be a JACK l'backer...

frydaddy

I dunno JP, I'm cautiously optimistic about it. There was an interview with one of his college coaches a while back and if I remember correctly I think some of what he said about Cam's skill set would suggest this would be beneficial to him. I know he doesn't have the straight line speed of a guy like Galette, but when you're lined up that close to the football I think it's more about burst and short area athleticism anyway. Both of which, I think he has. It would suck if he had to drop into coverage, but Galette sucked at that too, so it's not like we're missing anything. And he CAN do that other thing JG sucked at.. set the edge against the run. I'll take a two trick pony over a one trick pony all day and especially on Sundays.

Mais forte do que a morte

halloween 65

I got to agree with you. JR. might have been an A-hole but he was not slow. Guess the 3-4 was wishful thinking? Still early though.

halloween 65

And I'll take Warren over Bush at FS anytime. Warren= natural FS. Bush = SS trying to fit as a FS. Another square peg trying to fit in a round hole move by our coaching staff. Still early though.

ChrisXVI

Let's be real here... Galette hardly ever actually lined up as an OLB and neither will Jordan. Our Jack is the weakside DE. All that's happening here is Jordan will play right DE instead of left. It makes sense to put our only proven pass rusher in the pass rush specialist position. And here's the added bonus: our new weakside DE will actually be good at stopping the run!

Oh, and Cam Jordan is actually faster than Galette.

jeanpierre

Problem we have is opposing QBs can look to that side pre-snap and know they'll be a bucket behind that linemen (Galette or now Jordan) and know there's no way they're dropping into coverage...

Think wheel route where a faster RB runs around and behind for a throw and catch...

Jordan's strength was his speed/strength combination; he doesn't have elite speed - so lining him up to speed rush rather than allowing him to match his strength closer in and using his decent speed seems like another waste...

Though his contract isn't awful as Galette's was, I didn't like committing that much to someone who'd rather play as a 4-3 end when we need to move to a 3-4 which makes us faster in a passing league...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

hagan714

Cam I feel sorry for in a way. Seems like every few years he is put into a new position that requires him to drop or add a good amount of weight. If the saints are going for a power rush based on containment and collapsing the pocket this might just work. My number one worry is dropping into pass coverage. At the very least Cam replacing Jr would be an upgrade against the run. As DE Cam had above average speed in the 43 with a few pounds off.

then add in a single high safety look and let Kenny do what he does best, run all over the field driving an offense crazy. hmmm might just work turning the "PEST" lose to help out in this shuffle. This is what he excels at. Remember he rattled Steve Smith and Flipped the tables on him by getting into his head. that is not an easy thing to do and a great measuring stick on how to use him. traditional SS he probly will never be.

If we can get one of the new CB take over on the outside and let Browner do what he does best, which is mug the bigger slower TE, WR and crushing RB. Man coverage and press coverage baby. has to be, It is the only way I see this working.

Kenny and Browner could end up being the two biggest PESTS in the NFL. that would be fun to watch.

A lot of IF, ANDS and BUTTS in this shuffle, I have to admit. The run defense would be greatly improved and we would be banking on hearing "coverage sack" a lot this year.

Bend do not break and keep teams to field goals. The shorter the field the better this should work.

heck of a gamble.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

Rugby Saint II

I too am worried about Cams coverage abilities. He is not a speed rusher in my eyes. Good God we love moving proven players to another position and it's never worked very well! Stop it! Where the hell is Dennis Allen with his good sense?

ChrisXVI

I think the 3-4 defense is out the window. From what Payton's been saying and hearing updates from camp it sounds like our base D will now be the 4-3 Under. Of course we'll probably spend most of our time in the 4-2-5 nickel defense but I see no indication that the 3-4 is still in the plans.