(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Week Six vs. Oakland - Win
Another great performance by the defense. It's too bad the Saints couldn't play Oakland, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, or Detroit every game. If they could they would've had an all-time great defense a season ago.
New Orleans gave up only 12 first downs and three points in the game. Oakland averaged a much more acceptable 3.9 yards per rush, and again fewer than 100 yards total.
JaMarcus Russell was sacked twice for a loss of 18 yards and the Raiders recorded a net of 141 passing yards on the afternoon with one interception. In fact, they averaged 3.8 yards per pass attempt.
Let's just say if your average running attempt's are higher than your passing yards, and they're both below four, then that is officially a horrible offensive game.
Week Seven @ Carolina - Loss
I think we all realized that the string of three straight games holding the opposition under 100 yards rushing was going to come to an end. And it did in a big way.
One-hundred and forty-three yards later, the Panthers walked off the field with a convincing victory over the division rival. They only averaged 3.9 ypc., but the fact they ran the ball 37 times made up for their averages.
Even more painful was Carolina's 7-of-15 (46 percent) third down conversion rate. The Saints defense simply couldn't get off the field. It didn't help that they only brought Jake Delhomme down one time for a loss of two yards.
All in all, a disappointing effort after three consecutive better-than-average outings.
Week Eight vs. San Diego - Win
Despite the win, this week eight game didn't do a lot to improve the confidence of the defensive unit. Sure, they picked off a pass to end the game. But in between that time and the rest of the game, the unit was not very good.
They gave up 22 first downs, which isn't horrible, but more importantly allowed the Chargers to convert five of their 12 third down attempts (41 percent). Almost as important, they never brought down Philip Rivers.
The Chargers running game average 5.0 yards per attempt, and the passing game 8.5. But, the Saints managed to prevent the Chargers from scoring touchdowns on three of their six red zone opportunities.
It wasn't the Saints best defensive game, but it was a little bit better than many people realize.
Week 10 @ Atlanta - Loss
In addition to giving up 34 points, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan made the Saints defense look silly. He shredded the Saints secondary as he helped the Falcons fly to 10.8 yards per pass attempt. Generally, it requires a Brees to have that kind of silly number.
The Saints held the vaunted ground attack to 3.1 yards per carry, although they still had 113 yards rushing. They also gave up a rushing touchdown and two through the air.
They were unable to sack Ryan or intercept him. In fact, they were unable to get him off the field, as he helped his team convert 5-of-11 third down attempts (45 percent).
Week 11 @ Kansas City - Loss
While the Chiefs managed to gain 21 first downs, they were largely ineffective versus the Saints defense when trying to throw the football.
They averaged a measly 4.9 yards per pass attempt. And that is after the four Saints sacks are included.
Third down wasn't so kind to them either as they were 5-for-14, although they did pick up two-of-three fourth downs.
The running game worked, at a 5.2 ypc rate. However, in red zone and goal-to-go situations, the Saints held half of the time.
While this was certainly not the best defensive game of the season, it was not a bad one for New Orleans.
Week 12 vs. Green Bay - Win
It comes as little surprise that one of the highest scoring games in 2008 would produce bad statistics for the defenses. While New Orleans held the Packers to 29 points, the other numbers weren't so pretty.
One of the most telling numbers is 10-for-17. That is the third down conversion ratio for the Packers offense...a gaudy 58 percent.
However, New Orleans managed to hold the Green Bay rushing attack to 3.5 yards per carry, and shockingly 5.4 yards per pass attempt. Also impressive were the three interceptions and two sacks the defense racked up.
So perhaps this wasn't such a bad defensive game after all, at least for the home team.
Week 13 @ Tampa Bay - Loss
We're going to send you the most entertaining New Orleans Saints articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete