Saints Final Preseason Loss Leaves Fans Worried

The Front Seven Takes A Backseat

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Kevin Williams (93) and nose tackle John Jenkins (92) and defensive end Tavaris Barnes (90) wait at the line of scrimmage during the first half of a preseason game against the New England Patriots at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into training camp I really did want to buy into the hype I was hearing about the improved pass rush the Saints would have.

The release of linebacker Junior Galette was the first wrinkle I saw although I understand the thought process in his release.

But the worry was who would replace him and rookie Hau’oli Kikaha along with veteran Anthony Spencer were mentioned as viable options…but there is one problem.

Spencer is now on injured reserve and while Kikaha has flashed at points during the preseason, I’m just not sold he’s the immediate answer.

On the defensive line the only true threat is Cameron Jordan followed by Kasim Edebali who although is listed as a linebacker, has played right and left end during the preseason so I don’t see that changing.

Speaking of linebackers, hopes were high that first-round pick Stephone Anthony could help man the middle, essentially edging out David Hawthorne.

The shine faded off Anthony for me though as his performance has been anything but impressive along with Hawthorne and both have the lowest grades of the linebacking corps according to ProFootballFocus.com(Hawthorne=-7.7, Anthony=-5.3).

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (95) during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Another rookie said to have been an impact player is fifth-round pick Tyeler Davison who with his big body was going to stuff the run but has performed the worst out of the defensive lineman group which isn’t standing out to begin with.

Heading into Week 1 there is a big possibility that linebacker Dannell Ellerbe could land on injured reserve or the PUP list after re-aggravating a toe injury in the first preseason game and steady contributor Ramon Humber has been out since then as well.

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