Secondary Changes Primary Formula in Saints' Equation for Success

For the past two seasons, the Saints' defensive philosophy has been a kind of read-and-react proposition.  Unfortunately, read-and-react has lead to chase-and-catch-up more often than not. 

While the offense has been one of the more potent in the NFL, it hasn't been strong enough to carry New Orleans to a playoff berth on its own. Since an unforgettable 2006, the Saints have been spectators of the post season in both 2007 and 2008, finishing with records of 7-9 and 8-8, despite more than 5,000 yards passing from Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees in '08. 

The culprit (or scapegoat) is a Swiss cheese defense that routinely allowed opposing quarterbacks the time to make a po-boy sandwich and receivers to run free through a phantom secondary.

Enter Greg Williams, most recently the head coach of the Buffalo Bills and new Saints Defensive Coordinator.  Known for his aggressive style of defensive play-calling, Williams has given many in the Who Dat Nation a renewed optimism. 

The defense will look different. But, if the Saints are to be relevant in '09, the end result must also change. 

The Saints' pass rush was nearly non-existent in '08. With no major changes in the defensive line or at linebacker and even thinner depth this season, Williams' play-the-run-on-the-way-to-the-pass mindset may be the only real hope for improvement in this phase of the game for New Orleans. The secondary will need to hold up in a scheme that will call for aggressive man-to-man coverage.

Magnifying that task is a schedule that includes games against Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, and two more against an emerging Matt Ryan.

Along with Williams came some new on-the-field faces, most significantly to the secondary.  Former Vikings free safety Darren Sharper brings a pro-bowl resume to a team that, putting it mildly, has struggled at that position in recent years.

New Orleans also signed free agent corner back Jabari Greer, a six-year veteran who was a solid contributor to Williams' defense in Buffalo.  The Saints expect the return of promising second-year corner Tracy Porter from injury, as well. Three of the four expected opening-day starters will be new faces from week one of '08.  Roman Harper returns at strong safety and Randall Gay moves in at the other corner to replace an often-injured and aging Mike McKenzie.

For Williams' schemes to work, the new blood will have to equal substantial improvement.  Being aggressive can make a good defense better.  It can also leave a defense vulnerable to the big play.

The new faces will need to stick to receivers like Louisiana humidity, or the Saints' best defense may, once again, be a good offense.