Historically, since the Mora/Sidwell/Fangio/Capers defense was dismantled, the Saints have had a tendency to have standout defenses under a first-year coordinator, but collapse after that. It was the case with Zaven Yuralian in Ditka's first year, with Ron Zook under Haslett, for Gary Gibbs and again with Greg Williams under Payton. Not a trend we need to continue.
Saints better fix the D. I suppose it's best to get this type of game out of the way early in the season.
Obviously, the defense lost the game, but what I was most disappointed in was the lack of a pass rush. The D-line is supposedly the strength of the D, but Ryan had all day to throw. Jr. Gallette just got paid, but he was absent most of the game. And I didn't hear Cam Jordan or Akiem Hicks' name called once. Kenny Vaccaro probably had his worst day as a pro. Other than forcing the Julio Jones fumble in the first half, we couldn't get them off the field in key situations. They always converted. Looking at the stats, it was a very even game, but anytime a team scores 34 points, they should win. I hope this was just an anomaly.
All is not lost. The Falcons 4-12 season last year was an anomaly; they were damn near in the Super Bowl the year before and had a bunch of injuries last year. A lot of people are calling for the Patriots to rep the AFC in the Super Bowl. They lost to the Dolphins today, and the 'fins really do suck.
