5 Observations From Saints vs. Patriots Last Night

Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Nate Stupar (54) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots running back James White (28) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

THE DEFENSE IS IMPROVED — EVEN IF THE SCOREBOARD DIDN’T SHOW IT

The scoreboard may have said 34-22, but — if you were to erase two defensive touchdowns from the Saints that were given (literally) to the Patriots, and the Saints win this game 22-20.

Yes, you read that right: the defense only gave up 20 points.

After a year of being historically bad, the New Orleans Saints looked to revamp the defensive by signing Nick Fairly, James Laurinaitis, and drafting Sheldon Rankins.

These moves appeared to be great ones by the Saints as the defense impressed many at training camp and at joint practices this week.

However, most Saints fans still wanted nothing more than to see for themselves that what they had heard about an “improved defense” was true, and the 1st team unit did not disappoint.

Right out the gate, the Saints looked like a different defense.

The first drive of the game included a tackle for loss and a Kasim Edebali sack with a four man rush on 3rd down.

Not too shabby huh?

Well it continued, as the first three drives for New England ended in punts. Only a 54 yard screen play prevented the Saints defense from only allowing New England 3 offensive points in the 1st half.

Along with the stellar play from the first team, the second team provided some big plays as well. On 4th and 2 in the Red Zone, former Falcon Nate Stupar broke up a pass in the endzone to keep the Patriots off the board. The defense did its job just holding the Patriots to 20 points.

Here is a stat for you: in 2013 the Saints last winning season, the Saints lost only once when holding opponents to under 20 points.

The Saints that year? They went 11-5.

Next: Who Is The Odd Man Out?