When the New Orleans Saints' season began to turn around, it started on defense.

After producing a shutout against the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday, many around the organization think the defense is where New Orleans believes it can hang its hat. The good news is Saints veteran Tyrann Mathieu also believes defensive shutouts can be the team's norm moving forward.

To be honest, I don’t know if I have ever been a part of a shutout and I’ve played in this league a long time,” the Saints safety said. “But to play the ball that we played [Sunday] from the front end to the back end against a really good offense, I think that’s what we need.

"Most importantly, as long as we don’t press and stay loose, then that is what we are capable of as a defense.”

New Orleans Saints shutout

In 137 games, Mathieu has played a part in two shutouts. And this past Sunday was the 16th shutout in New Orleans' history.

“I think I’ve been a part of three of them here since ’17,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said. "But I don’t know how many I’ve been a part of throughout my career. Hasn’t been a lot.”

This season, New Orleans' offense has sputtered and struggled with inconsistency. The defense can be the team's recipe for success.

A shutout every weekend is unrealistic, but if the defense continues its current groove, the Saints could claim the NFC South that remains wide open.

But that starts and stops with if Allen can put the Saints' defense in positions for success.

“It’s just hard in this league to keep somebody from scoring any points, whether it be a field goal or touchdown,” Allen said. “You don’t see many of them throughout the league. So, it’s pretty impressive when you’re able to come up with one.”

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Feature image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports