Five Observations From Saints vs. Ravens Preseason Game
The Defense
Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (43) runs as New Orleans Saints strong safety Jamarca Sanford (33) dives to tackle him during the fourth quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated New Orleans Saints 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
-The Saints were graded by PFF on defense as having a -4.1 which currently ranks second to last behind the New England Patriots preseason outing at a -4.7(at this time not all teams have been evaluated by PFF).
-Payton said in the postgame press conference that there was some leaky yardage but he felt the defense rallied moving forward…if he’s not enraged then neither should any of us.
-Mistakes like the one from safety Vinnie Sunseri where he moved forward too far on coverage which allowed a pass to sail over his head and result in a touchdown made many cringe(including me) because it was shades of last season.
Sunseri has been having a good camp with three interceptions but last night’s performance wasn’t that great.
-Mention was made of missed tackles(six total), but I’m wondering if I’m the only one that asks how the opposing team’s defense is like hitting a brick wall while opposing offense’s seem to drag Saints defenders with them down the field.
Aug 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams (87) leaps over New Orleans Saints cornerback Travis Manning (26) during the fourth quarter in a preseason NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated New Orleans Saints 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
-On 4th and 20 the Saints had an opportunity to stop the Ravens but on a blitz called by Payton(not Rob Ryan) the pass rush was zilch and safety Pierre Warren bounced off of beefy tight end Maxx Williams allowing the Ravens to convert and keep the drive going.
Floods of bad memories came back off of that one (last season against the 49ers) and although it was third string defense in, it has to be tightened up…and Warren needs to eat some more sandwiches.
-Veterans Kevin Williams and David Hawthorne didn’t show much last night with Williams being underwhelming and Hawthorne displaying why he went from potential starter to likely backup with the appearance of Stephone Anthony.
I’d pick Hawthorne as a “surprise” cut at the end of roster trim down if he has another few games like this.
-The defense lead the penalty charge with eight total, two coming off of veteran linebacker Anthony Spencer who found himself lined up in the neutral zone and two for rookie Damian Swann for pass interference/holding.
-I noticed there is a “Fire Rob Ryan” movement started already…he’s not safe but let’s not light the torches just yet………..
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