saintfan

Just confessing that I have not been a buyer of our defense and hoping for a heaping helping of crow for my indiscretions (Tabasco please).

They're starting to come around. I'm not sure if adding Apple was the key or if it has just taken some time to gel or if it's a combination of those things or if there are other ingredients in the defensive gumbo, but they're sure playing better and better as we go.

Have to believe we'll go as far as the defense will take us as I don't see anyone shutting down our offense.

C'mon Man...

The Dude

I think Apple helps but I think a lot is due to the CBs playing better as a whole, communicating better, etc. it also seems they are putting players in their more natural position that gives them the best opportunity to succeed. I don’t think it’s coincidence that our TO,s have gone up since they settled Anzalone in at MLB. Less of the moving players around. PJ is a lot better suited for the slot and getting better every week. May be off here but my 2 cents. Defense won that game tonight.

Halo

I think Apple has caused Lattimore and others to communicate much better.
What is scary is we're creating turnovers on a regular basis, and especially in key situations.

What's even scarier - in 2009 we created turnovers when the team was down by a lot of points and we'd pull out some nail biters. Redskins, Dolphins...etc.

I know our offense line was about 85% tonight, we were starting our youngest WR's and the UDFA's, and at no point was this game even close.
Our Defense is getting to the opponents QB's more and more and more, week after week.

Saint in Aus

I think they are really starting to feed off how the offence is playing. Imagine being a member of the D and seeing the offence score nearly every drive. You would just want to get out there when it’s your chance and play like a mad pack to get the offence back out there and to not fail them. The D is only just warming up imo. There are going to be some scared offences facing them for the rest of the season.

This is a whole unit playing as one at the moment. It’s beautiful to watch!

subguy

Winning in general lends to an overall confidence boost. Does anyone happen to know on average the amount of time the defense is on the field per game?

vpheughan

WINNING BOILS EGGSPURTS!!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!

WhoDat!656

If I am reading the chart right the Saints defense ToP/G per game is 27:29.

National Football League Stats - by Team Category | NFL.com

K Major

The interior has been stout since training camp so there's that.

Guys are thinking less & reacting more. I'm specifically speaking of Alex Anzalone(see helicopter hit on Julio & fumble) & AJ Klein. Their play the last 3 weeks has been stellar.

Hiring Ryan Nielsen & Mike Nolan was HUGE. Coaching matters.

CheramieIII

I just think about 1979 or 1970 or 1967 and smile because we are at least winning consistently and if you were a fan back then you never though it would ever happen. YOU GEAUX BOYS! WHO DAT!

dam1953

Big key is the Saints made ATL very one dimensional. Take away two QB scrambles and ATL gained 10 yds on 14 running plays.