New Saints LB James Anderson Brings Versatility to Defense
Last year the secondary was hit by injuries that contributed to the New Orleans Saints shuffling players around to desperately fill holes.
This year it seems it’s the linebacker position being pummeled and key players like Hau’oli Kikaha, Dannell Ellerbe and Ramon Humber have forced the Saints to start special team contributors like Michael Mauti and the much maligned David Hawthorne in their spots.
Recently the team signed former Houston Texans linebacker Mike Mohamed to the roster to add some depth and they have reportedly signed another to add some depth and versatility in James Anderson.
Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is tackled by Chicago Bears outside linebacker James Anderson (50) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints are familiar with Anderson since he was a 2006 third round pick of the Carolina Panthers out of Virginia Tech and began seeing a starting role with the team in 2009.
Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com mentioned that Anderson is capable of playing both the strong and weakside linebacker positions on the field hence the “versatility” part.
Anderson saw his two most productive seasons with the Panthers in 2010 and 2011 playing in 31 games where he registered 275 combined tackles, five sacks, 14 passes defended, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
In 2013 as a member of the Chicago Bears, he would have another good year with 105 combined tackles, three passes defended, and four sacks. While he can play both positions, Anderson registered his best seasons when he was manning the strongside linebacker spot and playing the weakside only three times.
Of course this is the spot that the Saints need to be filled the most since Ellerbe brings so much to the position, which is quite evident since he has been down with a hip injury the past two games.
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With Ellerbe down, Hawthorne filled in on the weakside after being injured as well and against the Titans on Sunday he graded out as the fourth worst player on defense overall especially in pass coverage where he was second worst of all defensive players according to ProFootballFocus.com.
Anderson on the other hand has graded out fairly well in the area of pass coverage during his time in the NFL but I wouldn’t expect too much from him unless more injuries happen.
Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Davone Bess (15)j makes a reception against Chicago Bears outside linebacker James Anderson (50) and cornerback Zack Bowman (38) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bears won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
While he has spent time with other teams like the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons his last significant playing time was in Chicago.
He was regulated to special teams duty in Tennessee so this is likely where he’ll start off with the Saints if he’s active this Sunday against the Washington Redskins.
But in time, perhaps he can contribute and bring versatility to a Saints defensive unit in need of it…….