Former NFL Pro Bowl WR gives challenge to Saints defense for this season
The New Orleans Saints are a new-look squad in 2023. They've got a new quarterback, a few big-time changes at skill positions, and young players they added on defense. For their defense, the defensive line will look different. They are hoping that they play a bit differently as well. The pass rush was solid last […]
The New Orleans Saints are a new-look squad in 2023. They've got a new quarterback, a few big-time changes at skill positions, and young players they added on defense. For their defense, the defensive line will look different. They are hoping that they play a bit differently as well.
The pass rush was solid last season, and the strong secondary helped that. On the flip-side, their run stopping ability wavered in a massive way. They were one of the worst teams in the NFC at stopping the run, and that hadn't been the case too often in the last decade.
Former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings is challenging them to make major improvements in that area this season.
They’ve got to stop the run. We know that they can get to the quarterback. Their 48 sacks were tied for fifth-most in the NFL in 2022… But they struggled to stop the run. So there must be a few points of emphasis not only in the offseason but in training camp — staying true to assignments and being gap sound. The Saints did not do that last season. Their secondary was great. It was really their run defense that failed them all of last season. — Jennings via The 33rd Team
Adding Khalen Saunders and Bryan Bresee to their defensive line should help. Saunders was an important piece in Kansas City for years, and his presence will make a difference. Bresee, the Saints' first-round rookie, has impressed in the run game during practice so far. They need him to make a legit impact in year one.
Additionally, the linebacker depth must play better against the run. Veteran LB Jaylon Smith should help with that. Not to mention, the secondary should remain elite and could get even better if guys like Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo take another step forward.
Jennings' challenge for the Saints is one that they are aware of entering the season. Dennis Allen needs to make sure that their run defense is much better this year if they want to achieve their goals as a team.
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