Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

There has been much debate and a handful of theories thrown out over the last few weeks about how the defense would look with the addition of several new faces.

On Wednesday morning, coach Sean Payton provided some clues about how things might come together.

While things could change with the addition of new players acquired either free agency or the draft, or someone climbing the depth chart during training camp, the current vision is to have James Laurinaitis play middle linebacker.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9d37...ean-Payton.jpg

That would mean Stephone Anthony would move to strongside linebacker, and Dannell Ellerbe will remain at weakside linebacker.

Payton said the team wanted a veteran player at middle linebacker to direct the defense.

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Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

I want to see Davis Tull compete also. Camp might get interesting. Still got to get a push in the middle upfront.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Did we sign Nick Fairley yet?

Seriously though I like the moves we've made this off season. On NFL paper we now have 4 capable NFL starters (James L, Stephone, Ellerbe & Robertson). If these guys can stay healthy, we are in a position to do good things on D. Again, all we need to be statistically is middle of the road defense and this team is easily 11-5. Anything better is gravy.

Training camp should be good.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

I think we all know he doesn't really have an F'ing clue about defense.

Obviously a genius on offense, but still kinda floundering on defense.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

If that's the case and we need like three more DTs at minimum.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

I was thinking this may be a poll, then I could select worse than ever! Lol

Honestly don't think our D could get any worse, allowed the most passing TD's in NFL history!

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Rob is gone so things can only get better

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Hopefully Laurinaitis still has some left in the gas tank. Seems like Payton is banking on him manning the middle. :bng:

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Too many times last year, and before, the defense looked confused. Lots of miscommunication.

Looks like at least we'll have a smarter unit on the field. Replacing Ryan with Allen probably helps too.

Laurinaitus is only 29 years old so he should have plenty of gas left in the tank. Its just that he was never a really fast player to start with.

I'm hoping his 2015 slump was related to the elbow injury he played with all season.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Are you saying Stephone is now a bust?

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

You got that out of my comment? Of course he's not a bust. Why would you think that? He's gonna be a star for us.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Dannell Ellerbe and Robertson will compete for the starting position @ WILB.

If you go back and look at Craig even in his limited starts up in Cleveland, he is the real deal in coverage. Maybe we get off the field on 3rd downs more often this season.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

+1. SA is a excellent young player. With more help around him at the LB position, he will be a force.

I think he was a solid pick last year :bng:.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Agreed.

Anthony can play SAM while Laurinaitus starts in the middle, with Ellerbe and Robertson at the WLB.

We also have enough talent to mix in a ton of 3-4 with Kikaha, Tull, and likely a young draft pick at the JACK.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

The key with signing JL is being the QB for the defense. The best part is that he will already know the Allen defense because he came from the Greg Williams system which is where Allen learned most of his tricks.

This should be a natural fit. Additionally, he was just cut and might feel he has something to prove. If he comes out hungry he'll be a pro bowl type MLB for us.

Most rewarding than risky in my opinion.

Re: Sean Payton explains how the Saints’ defense could look next season
 

Nailed it! :stupid: