It is the calling card of New Orleans Saints’ head coach Dennis Allen. There are some that say it wins championships.
Defense.
For the Saints, it has been a weakness plenty of times in the franchise’s history.
However, Allen was able to turn it into a strength during his tenure. Towards the end of the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era, New Orleans began to have one of the better defenses in the NFL. In fact, the Saints have not given up more than 22.1 points per game in a season since 2016. The 2017 defense saw an improvement of eight points per game fewer, and the defense has been ranked in the top half of the league since then.
After the departure of Brees, it was needed for the black and gold’s defense to step up. Things have been unsettled offensively, which ultimately led to the acquisition of free agent quarterback Derek Carr. After another inconsistent season last year, a coordinator change was made as the offense continues to try to find its footing.
The defense has not had all these changes. Franchise cornerstones Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan have remained, as has plenty of the core on that side. Allen continues to lead that group, and they have played the last few seasons knowing that they are the strength of the team.
Last season, the raw numbers look pretty good once again. They allowed just 19.2 points per game, good for sixth best in the NFL.
However, a further look suggests that there were several issues. In yards allowed, the team ranked just 13th. They were also just tied for 17th in yards per play allowed. Their points allowed per game number seemed to benefit from a few outlier games against struggling offenses (0 vs New England, 6 vs both Carolina and the New York Giants). The general eye test also suggested that this defense was not as dynamic as years past.
However, a couple of free agent signings could help this group return to form.
Chase Young was brought in to help the pass rush. Despite an underwhelming career so far considering his draft pedigree, and effort and injury concerns, Young has looked great in camp and the preseason so far. His ability adds a dimension to the defensive line that Jordan has struggled to provide single-handedly.
Willie Gay Jr. also comes in to help the linebackers. His speed and play recognition should help the other aging All-Pro, Davis, on the defensive side. He also brings a winning history, having played for the Kansas City Chiefs. These players, a dynamic young secondary, and plenty of proven leaders could help this group get back to the top of the league.
And to be quite honest, the Saints need them to do that.
The offense may be better. However, it has plenty of questions. The offensive line took another hit when Ryan Ramcyzk was lost for the season (and maybe beyond that). Rookies, inexperienced players, and question marks loom over the group up front. Additionally, new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak may breed new life into them, it will likely take time for the improvements of the new system to settle in.
If the New Orleans Saints want to make a run in 2024, it starts with DA’s defense. And it better start fast.
Dawson Eiserloh is the host of “The LohDown with D-Loh” which is broadcast weekdays (1-3 PM) on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles — Southwest Louisiana’s Sports Station