Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas
 

The Saints were tired of the broken coverages, confusion and big gains that often defined last season’s defensive performances.

So, this offseason, Sean Payton came up with what Rob Ryan called a “beautiful vision,” and the New Orleans defense began an overhaul. The elaborate schemes and system of checks that reigned last year went out the door. Instead, New Orleans now plays a more straight-forward brand of defense, which, in theory, should allow the players to focus more on performing than thinking.

People have noticed. Interim Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey, who previously served as the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons from 2008-2011, has seen major changes in the way the New Orleans defense operates. He also said this group is more fearsome now than when the Saints used to try to confuse their opposition.

Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas | Saints | The New Orleans Advocate — New Orleans, Louisiana
“You talk about a bunch of guys that rally to the football, they do that,” Mularkey said. “Schematically, it’s not a real complicated defense. That makes me more nervous than teams that are all over the place because they have guys that are lined up and know what they are supposed to do.”

Re: Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas
 

Didn't the same thing happen in Dallas the year before he got fired?

Mularkey on the Saints defense: "Coach speak, coach speak, coach speak!"

Re: Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas
 

I wish they would hurry up and catch on to this so-called simplified scheme. From what I've seen so far is 2 good defensive games. One against a healthy Atlanta team and a beat-up Cowboys team other than that nothing but getting their a$$es handed to them. I hate to see how this D plays if Ellerbe and Kiki don't see the field Sunday.

Re: Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas
 

Been said 'Keep It Simple, Stupid'

Re: Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas
 

Now I thought you were going to say, "History is bound to repeat itself"...

Re: Simplified defensive scheme helping Saints, but defense a work in progress in some key areas
 

Were we 25th last year or something like that?

We are currently running 2nd to last... what the hell is the improvement??? Oh wait it must be national reverse speak day.