Thursday, February 4, 2010

Super Bowl XLIV: Saints On Defense


The New Orleans Saints is not a defensive powerhouse.  They have an aggressive style, but it has not translated to big success.  They ranked in the bottom 8 this season.  Even worse, they were 26 in total passing yards allowed.  This is not good for a defense that has to play Peyton Manning who passes all day long.  Especially, considering he was tested during the playoffs.  He beat the #3 defense (Baltimore Ravens) and came from behind and won against the best defense this season (New York Jets) in the AFC Championship game.  The pressure is on the Saints to put some pressure on Peyton.
When going against a team with a good passing game, it is important to have strong Cornerbacks and Safeties. The good thing for the Saints is that they have a Free Safety that is a threat to the best quarterbacks, Darren Sharper.  He is an All Pro Free Safety.  He can catch, run and tackle.  He tied for first in the NFL for interceptions with 9 and three of those were returned for touchdowns.
Here are all of the players that will most likely start or play a major role on Sunday.  Go back to Defense Wins Championships! to review the responsibilities of each position.
Tackles and Ends 
Remi Ayodele (#92) - Defensive Tackle 
Sedrick Ellis (#98) - Defensive Tackle.  Missed a lot this season with knee injury.


Bobby McCray (#93) - Defensive End




Will Smith (#91) - Defensive End.  Best pass rusher on the team. Second in sacks in the NFC with 13 sacks.  

Linebackers


Scott Fujita (#55) - Missed 5 games because of knee injury, but still had 75 tackles. 



Jonathan Vilma (#51) -  Decent season with 130 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 sacks. Also had an interception in the NFC title game. 

Scott Shanle (#58) - Third on the team in tackles.  

Cornerbacks




Jabari Greer (#32) - Started the season strong with 2 interceptions and a touchdown, but missed almost half of the season with a sports hernia.




Tracy Porter (#22) - He is a big reason the Saints made it to the Super Bowl.  He intercepted Favre in overtime which set up the Saints to score.  During the regular season he had 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 69 tackles.

Safeties
Roman Harper (#41) - Strong Safety. Second on team with 127 tackles.

Darren Sharper (#42) - Free Safety.  He'll be ready for Dallas Clark or Reggie Wayne.  He Set the NFL record with 376 yards on interception runbacks and one was for 99 yards!  Peyton needs to be careful throwing to his side.

The Saints' Defense needs to stop Peyton from throwing the ball.  To be successful, the line needs to step up and the linebackers and cornerbacks need to blitz.  All of this is much easier said than done!









Ciao!
Heels & Helmets

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