New Orleans Saints Defensive Revival Hampered by Division

It can be argued but the New Orleans Saints at least have a case for fielding the worst stretch of defensive football in league history since 2014.

Over that span they’ve ranked 31st, 31st and 27th respectively. It’s hard to win football games that way, even with a Hall of Fame quarterback like Drew Brees on the roster. Therein lay an even bigger problem. The Saints have worked tireless to infuse the defense with life over the past couple offseasons. They’ve made some intriguing additions like Sheldon Rankins, Vonn Bell, Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams.

So far though the results haven’t been what they hoped for. Coaching may be a big reason for that. They’ve changed defensive coordinators a number of times since their Super Bowl win in 2009. It just never feels like head coach Sean Payton has a clear idea in mind for what he wants on that side of the ball. Aside of course from more turnovers. Then there’s the simple fact that the NFC South is making life harder.

According to NFL.com writer Adam Schein, the division now ranks as the strongest in pro football in terms of talent at quarterback.

New Orleans Saints defense facing murderous division gauntlet

"“No debate in the No. 1 spot: The NFC South’s QB quartet is in a league of its own right now. Ryan is fresh off a sensational MVP season and is set up for greatness again in 2017. Newton took home the hardware the year before and boasts one of the rarest skill sets in the NFL today. Brees has more 5,000-yard seasons (five) than every other quarterback in NFL history combined (Dan Marino, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford and Peyton Manning each have one). He’s Canton bound … yet still terrorizing defenses in his late 30s. And with the weapons Tampa Bay added this offseason, Winston is poised for a true breakout as he guides the Bucs back to the postseason. It’s not hard to imagine any of these four QBs making an MVP push in 2017.”"

It’s the only division with three former MVPs in it with Ryan, Newton and Brees. That’s not counting Jameis Winston who was Rookie of the Year and is a Pro Bowler. Becoming a great defense doesn’t just require talent and coaching. Confidence is a huge part of it. When a unit starts playing with that swagger and attitude, where they feel like nobody can score on them, the results usually follow.

That’s hard to do when some of the best QBs in the business are there six times a year making life beyond difficult. It can be frustrating for a young defense trying to find its identity. Can the Saints power through it? Given their recent history it’s hard to trust that happening. Still, change is inevitable in this league. Perhaps they’ll figure it out.