New Scheme For 2009 Saints Defense

The read and react era of New Orleans Saints defense officially ended in January with the acquisition of Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, regarded by many as one of the most respected strategists in the game.

The 19-year NFL veteran, who has overseen top 10 defenses in five-of-the-past nine seasons, is looking to reconstruct a dismal defense that ranked 23^rd and allowed 339.5 points a game during the 2008 regular season.

The former Buffalo Bill head coach and defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars philosophy is simple: Dominate and attack. Expect the Saints 2009 Defensive unit to run aggressive schemes while applying heavy pressure on opposing quarterbacks and striking from the opening snap onward.

He’s not a yeller or a red-faced screamer but don’t let the cool demeanor fool you, he’s an intense coach with a history of running 4-3 schemes while manning fundamentally sound units.

“He wants smart players who are tough,” cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, the first round draft pick from Ohio State University explained to media during a recent five-practice mini camp at Saints headquarters. “If you’re going to loaf or not play hard or make a bunch of mistakes he doesn’t want you on his team.”

Be on the look out for Gibbs to experiment with roster changes, moving players around the field during certain passing or running situations to suit their specific skills. For example Corner Back Jason David may not be a strong man on man player but he’s fast and Gibbs may use him to do a corner back blitz. 

Williams may also transition Jenkins to safety during certain passing situations after the 6', 205 pounder ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

Saints owner initially thought that Williams was too expensive, but head coach Sean Payton was so impressed with the defensive mind that Payton took a voluntary $250,000 salary cut to help facilitate his signing with the team.

Williams active, complex style of defense will be music to the ears of Saints Fans in the Dome and just might push the Saints over the top in 2009.