Saints' Marcus Davenport shows improvement in win over Washington
 

New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport had his most impactful performance of his rookie season in Monday's win over Washington.

The first-round pick had three tackles, one for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass defensed in the game, and it's becoming clear that he could be a boon for the Saints defense if his growth continues.

"He's improving each week," coach Sean Payton said after the game. "I was pleased with some of the plays he made tonight. There's some things that we'll continue to work on."

Payton said there's isn't a timeline that would indicate when Davenport will have put everything together, but the Saints are just hoping to see improvement each week.

So far, that's been the case. Davenport now has a tackle for loss in three consecutive games, but more impressive than the statistics is that he seems to be playing with better instincts.

Davenport's tackle for loss came on a perfectly executed play. He set the edge despite a blocking attempt from Washington left tackle Trent Williams, and when running back Chris Thompson tried to cut his run outside, Davenport chased him down for a 3-yard loss.

Much of Davenport's success actually came against Williams, a six-time Pro Bowler. There was also the second-quarter play that was an incomplete pass, but was nearly a sack and fumble for Davenport. He set up Williams to look like he was rushing outside, but then Davenport moved inside, taking advantage of Alex Okafor clearing out the left guard, and quickly hit Alex Smith as he was throwing.

"I'm surprised he still had the ball," Davenport said of that play. "He got lucky. Luck, skill, hey, it happens."

Davenport's actual sack and strip came in the third quarter when he overpowered Williams and then used his left hand to knock the ball free as Smith was throwing. Linebacker A.J. Klein recovered the fumble to give the Saints another key defensive play.

Davenport said he didn't really enjoy his sack and fumble until after the game because he and the rest of the defensive line weren't totally satisfied with the game.

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Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport shows improvement in win over Washington
 

Davenport toyed with Trent Williams at times and stole Alex Smith's soul.

If you hadn't already done so, check out Brian Baldinger's breakdown on Marcus vs the Skins.

I don't care what we gave up to get him either. Coach Nielsen is molding a monster down in New Orleans.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport shows improvement in win over Washington
 

Don’t mind giving up next years 1st for this guy. Not a sure thing that any picks will pan out. We’ve signed former 1st round picks this year and in the past and they are no longer in the league.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport shows improvement in win over Washington
 

Right there with you all the way. Davenport has the potential of being the best edge rusher in the league. He has already added quality moves that were not part of his repertoire when first drafted. He is learning so quickly that it's almost scary.

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport shows improvement in win over Washington
 

Re: Saints' Marcus Davenport shows improvement in win over Washington
 

He will be an elite pass rusher. I bet C Jordan is loving this!