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A month ago we wondered how the New Orleans Saints' crowded linebacker competition would shake out.

Well, the picture has begun to take focus -- and it looks like three newcomers will all win starting jobs: A.J. Klein, Manti Te'o and rookie Alex Anzalone.

That was the Saints' starting trio during Sunday night's dominant defensive performance in a 13-7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. And all three of them played key roles.



"It's just a good step in the right direction," Te'o told reporters after a dominant performance against his former team (eight tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery and two other tackles for loss on run plays). "It was a great opportunity for us to go out there and compete against a really good team and to show what we're made of. And I think we did that."

The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder has taken over as the commanding "quarterback" of the Saints' defense in a dual role as a strong-side linebacker in base defense and the middle linebacker on passing downs.

Klein was terrific on Sunday. He had a half-sack, an assisted tackle for loss on a run play and five total tackles. He blew up receiver Keenan Allen's block attempt to help set up defensive end Alex Okafor's sack. And he brought penetration to help create a run stuff for Anzalone.

Te'o, 26, was more of a question mark this summer, coming off a torn Achilles and signing an incentive-laden two-year deal that could be worth up to $7 million but only included $600,000 guaranteed. The former Notre Dame star opened up last week about what a tough time he had mentally with the injury at first. Coaches admitted that he started off a little slowly this summer before coming on stronger in recent weeks.

Now Te'o appears to be the front-runner to start at middle linebacker in base defense, then come off the field on passing downs. Sunday's performance certainly helped his case.

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73Saint

Our D looked stout, hope we carry that into the regular season. BTW Teo's celebration seemed reminiscent of Will Smith. Miss that dude!

foreverfan

Barry from MS

Competition at any position makes for bringing out the best in some players. T'eo has loads to prove as does Anzalone, and both have stepped up in a major way. Klein, I think, was the only one kinda already penciled in as a starter before camp but he's showing why he was brought here. Still a ways to go, but looking good for these 3.

vpheughan

Another gem!! "Defense gets jolt" the Chargers, get it? How can they afford such literary talent??

dam1953

When it comes to LBs it was always hard to tell if the talent was lacking (bad scouting) or if our coaching just sucked. I always thought that Vitt had a big say in drafting our LB personnel package and it's is becoming very obvious that he couldn't recognize or develop talent.

The current LB core is young enough to be around for quite a while. With our offense, things could get really interesting.

turbo_dog

No doubt the defense looked much improved against the Chargers. It still seems there is a bit of struggle in LB pass coverage. That could just be fixed with time in the system, or more practice. Or playing three safeties in certain situations may be the answer. Either way, it looked like a more cohesive group playing with purpose and energy, and I liked it!

QBREES9

They have played well, i just hope it carries over to the season. Manti Te'o has been playing very well.

jnormand

I'll admit, I didn't know what to really think of Klein when he was signed. I just had high hopes. Anzalone I thought might need to develop for a year or so.

Te'o....I thought he would be a camp body or just for depth.

Glad I was wrong! These three look good!

And with Robertson and Stupe as depth, it's looking solid! It's exciting!

Utah_Saint

Me too. I figured it was just an old coach doing a favor for one of "his guys". I just hope he can stay healthy.