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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 22: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 22: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints: Signing Demario Davis

The Saints were a good defense in 2017 but they had a relatively weak area that haunted them much of the season. It was their ability to stop the run. They ranked a distant 16th against it and one can say the two rushing touchdowns they allowed in Minnesota last season was a big factor in their eventual loss. That’s why they moved quickly to sign inside linebacker Demario Davis, feeling he had the skill set to upgrade their linebacking corps.

It’s proven to be exactly what they’d hoped. Davis has solidified their front seven, paving the way for the #1 run defense in the NFL. The Saints are allowing just 77.61 yards per game on the ground and it’s a big reason they’re 11-2 and cruising towards the #1 seed in the NFC. Davis leads the team with 95 tackles. He also has three sacks and two forced fumbles. The man deserves to have his name mentioned in Pro Bowl discussions.

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