Saints Show Improvements: Few Negatives Against Patriots

Defensive Ups and Downs

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Hau

The lack of pass rush mentioned was of course a downer but for the most part the defense did fairly well against an offense that was without tight end Rob Gronkowski or receiver Julian Edelman mind you.

Still it was good to see players like linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha rebound to have a solid outing against the Patriots.

Kikaha brought the speed that everyone felt he had and blew up a run play to start the game and you could see his confidence grow as he progressed in a performance that Payton called “encouraging.”

Cornerbacks Kyle Wilson and Damian Swann did well and it was just what Wilson needed as he has been flying under the radar during camp with inconsistent play.

On that note, cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste continues to show he’s still growing and developing after several huge learning moments last night.

Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste (33) during a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In the waning moments of the first quarter, the Patriots were faced with a 3rd and 1 when Garopollo threw a short pass to running back LeGarrette Blount who raced for the marker.

Baptiste had Blount dead to rights short of the first down but chose to simply lower his shoulder instead of wrapping up and making the tackle, which if anyone has watched Blount’s shifty running and power then you knew how that would work out…first down.

He also was partly to blame on the Harper touchdown reception as Baptiste drifted off of coverage in the end zone and Harper got wide open.

Yes defensive lineman Bobby Richardson had a potential sack and should have brought Garopollo down, but Baptiste left his assignment allowing Harper to score.

The run defense looked good until the starters began to trickle out and then the Patriots’ Dion Lewis and James White both scored on short running plays in the third and fourth quarter respectively.

One thing I was able to see from my seat that I loved was cornerback Damian Swann constantly going to defensive assistant Dennis Allen for instruction and asking questions.

Oh and to safety Pierre Warren….we see you again.

He had a nice interception off of a well tracked ball along with some pretty good coverage during the night for a player still trying to make the roster.

Next: Not That You Ever Had a Doubt