Saints Should Scan Released Defensive Players Hard Today

I’ve seen a bevy of 53-man projected rosters since the final seconds ticked away after the New Orleans Saints lost their final preseason game to the Green Bay Packers.

Some are eyebrow raising — while others seem to be legitimate in what is always said to be a difficult process for the coaching staff; and definitely the players that are released or waived.

But don’t think that a team grieves too long, because as soon as another player comes across the transaction list that twinkles the eye of the front office that phone calls and discussions aren’t being made, with the Saints being no different.

Yes, we know that there are certain players that are making the team for sure; including 2015 seventh-round pick RB/KR Marcus Murphy — who head coach Sean Payton surprisingly already gave his blessing to following the Houston Texans game.

But on defense, there are serious drop-offs of talent; as well as some injury concerns with projected starters for the Saints that should cause concern.

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the Saints 22-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

I said the other day in a conversation that the two problems that have hampered the team has been their draft strategy, and the reliance on high-priced free agents that never pan out or live up to what they contract is.

It’s apparent that unless the Saints were playing possum the entire preseason, then they need some seriously creative defensive schemes to be able to generate pressure and lock down the secondary.

Oh wait, I forgot: the Saints were going to simply the defense in order to lessen the confusion and rely on the pass rush to hurry the quarterback; and the secondary would shut down his options creating this perfect storm.

Well, if you’ve been watching the games so far then you know that’s just not a reality that’s going to happen.

Call it Chicken Little Syndrome, keep telling yourself it’s only the preseason, or whatever helps the blind optimism of a loyal Who Dat that put on the blinders.

More from Big Easy Believer

I truly hope that I’m incorrect, mainly for the heart conditions of Saints fans, but the Saints are still in need of some help — like back to the drawing board help.

While players like linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha have flashed in his playing time, others like 2015 first-round pick Stephone Anthony have been average at best under the lights.

Releases started to pour in yesterday, but as of my typing this article the Saints have yet to tip their hand which they don’t have to until 3:00 p.m. today.

Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Chandler Worthy (6) scores a touchdown while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste (23) in the second half of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Texans won, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve seen the question asked about who would be a surprise cut to the 53-man roster, and one that pops in my mind is cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste.

The 2014 second-round, second year corner failed to even see the field twice that year, couldn’t even make it on special teams, and will be a huge liability if he is inserted onto the field.

Understandably corner is a position everyone needs help at, but the Saints should be looking close today because if someone else pops up that is even a hair better then he has to go.