Saints Loss To Cardinals Breeds Optimism And Concern

Defense

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Damian Swann (right) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Optimism

-I thought that the Saints secondary would be a huge blunder and while they didn’t play great, there was some promise from the likes of rookie cornerback Damian Swaan.

Granted Swaan gave up some plays with the most notable being the Cardinals first touchdown after he took his eyes off his receiver for a split second.

But Swaan isn’t playing intimidated or scared even though he knew he’d get tested so we’ll see if getting thrown into the fire helps him this season moving forward.

-Another “rookie” cornerback, Delvin Breaux, may have tied for the worst overall grade on defense by ProFootballFocus.com(he and DE Akiem Hicks had a -2.4) but he was thrust into a starting role and only targeted three times and surrendered two receptions.

Breaux also showed great awareness to recover a fumble that popped out and he caught it out of the air.

Hopefully like Swaan he can watch the film and grow from his first NFL experience

Concerns

-I heard all week from fans about old man Palmer with his bad knees and that with a patchwork O-line the Saints pass rush would have a field day….not the case.

As noted by The Advocate’s Nick Underhill, Palmer at one time had a little over eight seconds to find a receiver on a play and was able to elude high priced defensive end Cameron Jordan for what should’ve been two sacks.

Yes the defense was able to hurry him into some errant throws but if they can’t get to the quarterback then there are some games on this season’s schedule that’s going to be brutal.

-Linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha forced a fumble to give the Saints some spark but he’s got to learn to be able to disengage from blockers because the team is needing him to get to the quarterback.

Yes I saw him being held on several occasions but on others he seemed to be just stopped dead in his tracks, so he has to upgrade his technique because he’s not getting anywhere with straight bullrush moves.

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

-The Brandon Browner hype train took a hit yesterday since he was expected to be a big difference maker in the secondary.

He was was targeted six times and gave up three receptions for 65 yards, but that wasn’t the sticking point for me…it was two interceptions that he was unable to come up with.

Sure one was fired in on a quick crossing route but the other was on a deep pass that he got both hands on and should have had.

-Speaking of interceptions, rookie linebacker Stephone Anthony should have had one as well as Jordan who batted a pass into his arms. The bottom line is that you’ve got to make those plays…….

Next: What We Liked and DIDN'T Like About the Saints Loss to Arizona