Saints defense disappointed after 'unacceptable' first half

SmashMouth · 08-10-2018, 04:35 AM

The New Orleans Saints won their preseason opener on Thursday night, but coach Sean Payton was not pleased with the team's performance, particularly when the starters were in the game in the first half.

"I thought it was rough in a lot of areas, honestly," Payton said after the Saints beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 24-20, at TIAA Bank Field.

The Jaguars opened the game with a 79-yard touchdown drive, scoring on a 2-yard run by quarterback Blake Bortles, and with how dominant the Saints defense has been at times during training camp, this was a disappointing first display.

"We had a lot of confidence by the way we've been practicing, so to come out here and allow them to drive like they did was unacceptable," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said.

The Saints offense, with Tom Savage starting at quarterback instead of Drew Brees, mustered just 106 yards in the first half.

"Early in the game, offensively and defensively, we struggled. Honestly, I don't know when we forced the first punt. And then offensively, we didn't generate much of anything. ... Look, there will be a lot we have to get cleaned up."

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08-10-2018, 04:35 AM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 37,136 Blog Entries: 29	Saints defense disappointed after 'unacceptable' first half The New Orleans Saints won their preseason opener on Thursday night, but coach Sean Payton was not pleased with the team's performance, particularly when the starters were in the game in the first half. "I thought it was rough in a lot of areas, honestly," Payton said after the Saints beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 24-20, at TIAA Bank Field. The Jaguars opened the game with a 79-yard touchdown drive, scoring on a 2-yard run by quarterback Blake Bortles, and with how dominant the Saints defense has been at times during training camp, this was a disappointing first display. "We had a lot of confidence by the way we've been practicing, so to come out here and allow them to drive like they did was unacceptable," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said. The Saints offense, with Tom Savage starting at quarterback instead of Drew Brees, mustered just 106 yards in the first half. "Early in the game, offensively and defensively, we struggled. Honestly, I don't know when we forced the first punt. And then offensively, we didn't generate much of anything. ... Look, there will be a lot we have to get cleaned up." read more on NOLA Attached Thumbnails