Last season, while living in the swirl of controversy, the Saints’ defense sank to new lows.
The team set the NFL record for most yards allowed in a season. The Saints allowed 7,042 yards in 2012, shattering the Colts’ mark of 6,793 yards in 1981.
The Saints, with former Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton taking on more of a leadership role, have switched from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 and hired Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator to lead the transition.
“It provides us some flexibility,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “I know the challenge it sometimes can create for us offensively, and I felt like it was something that we can benefit from. So, that process has been good. There are certainly some changes that take place with what you are doing.”
Lofton is being counted on to help the lead the way.
“He fits in well,” Payton said. “He’s a (middle linebacker) in that scheme. He’s got a very good handle on both the run fits and what he’s doing in coverage. He’s a smart player and one of our leaders.”
Ryan was with the Cowboys the past two seasons, and they finished 14th in yards allowed in 2011 and 18th in 2012.
Ryan also studied the array of blitzes the Saints executed well under former coordinator Gregg Williams, the central figure in the Bounty Gate scandal, from 2009-11, and added some of those elements.
With linebacker Jonathan Vilma on injured reserve (knee injury), Lofton will be the unquestioned leader.
The Saints hope the addition of former Pittsburgh Steeler Keenan Lewis will help fortify their secondary. Lewis was signed to a five-year, $25 million deal.
In addition to missing Vilma, the Saints’ revamped defense will play without linebackers Victor Butler and Will Smith, who suffered torn ACLs this offseason. The Saints have high hopes for outside linebackers Junior Gallette and Martez Wilson.
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