Saints Show Improvements: Few Negatives Against Patriots
Pass Rush (or a Lack of)
Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is grabbed, but not sacked, by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bobby Richardson (78) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Sean Payton said that it was a “little concerning” that the Saints front seven were unable to get to Tom Brady or Jimmy Garopollo all night.
Sure the pass rush pushed the pocket a bit and forced some hurried throws from both quarterbacks, but the defense has yet to record a sack in the past two games.
Defensive lineman Bobby Richardson almost had a sack of Garopollo but he was able to squirm out of Richardson’s grasp and find receiver Chris Harper for a 24-yard touchdown pass.
It was the biggest roar of cheers turned to disappointing “awwwww” that I’ve heard since last season inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Even with Akiem Hicks inserted into the game, the defensive line didn’t have the desired results that you were expecting.
Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is hit by New Orleans Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks (76) during the first quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Jordan and Hicks got close to Brady on one occasion and gave him a “hey I’m here” shoulder check after a pass but that was about the extent of it.
You have to wonder if the Saints should have made a run at defensive tackle Vince Wilfork in free agency to help push the pile.
Payton admitted following the draft that they were prepared to take defensive tackle Danny Shelton in the first round but the Cleveland Browns snagged him right before they could and they went with offensive lineman Andrus Peat.
Moving forward, the Saints are going to have to get creative with their defensive scheme to generate some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
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