Defensive Disaster for Seahawks, Panthers, Bengals and Saints
New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton’s club has had a few weeks to savor a 37-31 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It also provided the 2-3 team some extra time to re-evaluate what’s gone wrong for a club that was dramatically better on the defensive side of the ball a year ago.
After surrendering the most total yards in one season in NFL history in 2012, new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan came in and the Saints allowed the fourth-fewest yards in the league this past season. And only three clubs gave up more points a year ago.
But look at this five-game comparison for a unit that currently ranks 23rd in the league in total yards allowed?
This season, the Saints have already allowed 1,898 total yards (379.6 yards per game), 141 points and 14 offensive touchdowns. During their 5-0 start in 2013, Payton’s club gave up 1,652 total yards (330.4 yards per game, 73 points and only six offensive touchdowns.
The team thought they had solved last season’s takeaway issues (New Orleans forced only 19 turnovers in 16 games) with the free-agent addition of free safety Jairus Byrd. But he’s out for the season, just one reason the Saints have a mere two takeaways in five games.
Will this be hard to fix in the Big Easy? Time will only tell.
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