Defensive Notes
Almost as surprising as the Saints making a run at an undefeated season a year ago was the fact that their defense finished the year as the 2nd-ranked fantasy group, trailing only Philadelphia in our scoring system (2 points for sacks and turnovers, 6 points for touchdowns). Having re-signed Darren Sharper, the tendency might be to assume they'll be dominant again.
But hold on. Sharper, reportedly, is coming off microfracture knee surgery. He's not certain to be 100 percent by the start of the season. If he's not roving around the secondary with his usual alertness and opportunism, the entire defense takes a hit.
New Orleans also scored 9 defensive and special teams touchdowns a year ago, 3 more than any other team. That's the kind of special season that's seldom repeated. The Vikings in 2007 and the Packers in 2008 scored 9 D/ST touchdowns, then slipped to just 4 a year later.
We still expect to have the Saints among our top 10 defenses, but a step back from last year's heights is likely. They'll be drafted too high in many fantasy leagues.
--Andy Richardson
- Comments [2]
Readers' Comments
Add a Comment
Already a registered user? Please sign in to add comments.
To add comments, you must become a registered user of our site. To register, please click here.
Posted by John Evans | May. 04 at 06:19 AM
It would be crazy to think that Sharper has another 9int 3td year. But with that said...on the whole, the Saints defense will likely be better next season. Alex Brown is a definite upgrade to Charles Grant. And the Saints secondary is still by far the best in football. They have the best young CB duo in the NFL, and have their last two 1st round picks at nickle and dime. Malcolm Jenkins is no slouch and has the football IQ needed to play centerfield for the Saints if Sharper needs to miss any time. Add that with everyone having a year experience in Gregg Williams defense...and there is no reason to believe that they will stop causing turnovers next season. They will be top 3.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | May. 04 at 09:06 AM
As we speak, I've got them 8th. I'm a little bit worried about their third linebacker spot, where they let Scott Fujita leave. Not that he was anything special, but it's a question mark. And if Sharper isn't healthy, that secondary is a question mark, as is their most recent first-round pick. I like them top-10, I don't know about 3rd.