Generating offense has not been the problem in New Orleans the last few years, stopping opposing teams was. After years of lackluster efforts and mediocre results, the Saints canned former defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs in favor of highly regarded Gregg Williams.
The first thing the former Bills head coach did was scrapping the defense’s passive, zone style in favor of a more aggressive, skill-driven scheme. As the team opened training camp last week, all eyes were focused on Williams’ unit.
It is early, but the stars of the Saints training camp so far have been defensive players. Veteran MLB Jonathan Vilma has shown the same explosiveness he once displayed while playing for the NY Jets. The defensive line players, lead by Will Smith, Kendrick Clancy and last year top draft pick, Sedrick Ellis, had consistently dominated their offensive counterparts. Even the much mileage secondary has display potential.
Safeties Roman Harper and Usama Young had been impressive so far. Their covering skills have improved and the new attacking system has highly their ability to play close to the line of scrimmage. Cornerback Tracy Porter has shadowed All Pro wide receiver Marques Colston since the first day. The rest of the CBs had been sharp. And with the recent signing of first round choice, CB/S Malcolm Jenkins, the unit should get even better.
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