Saints Safety Vaccaro Motivated to Turn Failure Into Success

One thing that was evident during this past Sunday’s practice for the New Orleans Saints is that safety Kenny Vaccaro seems to be back.

Not back from an injury — but back to the mentality that he had is a rookie, which is hit everything with an attitude.

Vaccaro was a monster during his rookie year in 2013, where he excelled at the strong safety spot.

He was always involved in every play and displayed a Tasmanian Devil style of skill that had him going after every opposing player as if his life depended on it.

That method lead him to be put in conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year; and in 14 games he had 62 solo tackles, one sack, one interception, and a forced fumble.

Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) is taken off the field in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Of course that method also landed him on injured reserve when he got caught in a pile while making a tackle against the Carolina Panthers and ended up breaking his ankle.

Vaccaro said originally he thought it just popped out of place and he attempted to move it back but then realized something was wrong.

Needless to say, he’s a tough individual who never wants to come off the field.

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But Vaccaro’s sophomore season was the complete opposite of what he did the previous year and seemed to play almost with little confidence and erraticlly.

When interviewed during this past season on multiple occasions you could see the deer in headlights look from Vaccaro as well as the frustration building in his voice as to why he and the defense were struggling.

After being ranked as the #23 safety in the NFL for 2013, he had slipped to #179 out of 181 for 2014 (per ProFootballFocus.com)

Sep 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) reacts after the Cleveland Browns made a game winning field goal during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

After the conclusion of the regular season, he admitted that the injury that everyone thought was completely 100% was holding Vaccaro back physically as well as mentally.

But vowing a return to form from his rookie year, Vaccaro has made a conscious effort to become totally focused on becoming a better player in 2015.

At Sunday’s practice, Vaccaro was making hits that were reminiscent of his first training camp and while not totally going full speed, he was putting the thump into his offensive teammates.

After catching a pass from quarterback Drew Brees fullback Erik Lorig was said to have been “laid out” by Saints beat writer Evan Woodbery.

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Immediately following that play, NOLA.com’s Larry Holder said Vaccaro blew over running back C.J. Spiller to end up with a sack of Brees.

A small bit of shuffling occurred, per beat writer Katherine Terrell, on a passing play when wide receiver Josh Morgan had a reception and then was immediately struck by Vaccaro.

Terrell also said that on another series Vaccaro took offensive tackle Terron Armstead to the ground which had fellow offensive lineman Tim Lelito going after the safety.

The Advocate’s Nick Underhill had the quote of the day to round out Vaccaro’s performance on Sunday:

I know some may feel this is too early for what’s perceived to be “testosterone plays” that will get valuable players injured.

May 29, 2014; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

But injuries happen in training camp, the regular season, or whenever so Vaccaro’s intensity and aggressiveness don’t bother or concern me that much.

Vaccaro is playing with a renewed passion, obviously motivated to turn last year’s failure into success.

It’s actually the same passion he had during 2013 where the rookie wasn’t afraid to challenge the likes of former tight end Jimmy Graham during camp or in practice.

For the defense, and Vaccaro as well, it’s this same passion that is a welcome return to a new season for the Saints………..

Next: LET THE BODIES HIT THE FLOOR: Saints Defense Has Its Swagger Back