Saints Linebacker Making Strides in Expanded Pass Rush Role

It feels like it has been a long time coming, but New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun is finally getting the pass rushing snaps many have waited for since he was drafted.

When the New Orleans Saints drafted former Wisconsin edge defender Zack Baun in the 2020 NFL Draft, many expected that he would contribute as a pass rusher. Instead, until the recently in 2023 season, he was often utilized and seen as an off-ball (or coverage) linebacker. His snaps then became limited as a strongside defender while the Saints defense rarely deployed base sets which featured the third linebacker.

With injuries and other hurdles met this season, things have started to change for the third-round selection. Baun played his career high in pass rushing snaps (24, per Pro Football Focus) against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14. And he has impressed head coach Dennis Allen in the process, earning a convincing promise to continue in the role moving forward.

Zack Baun pressures Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley in a 2021 preseason game / New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) rush Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley (7) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium

One of the critiques around this recent change is that change was required at all. Many would rightfully attest that Baun should have been in this role since the moment he arrived in New Orleans. Before discussing how he has broken through, it is important to inspect what held him back to begin with. It likely will not surprise anyone to hear that a large contributing factor is exactly what many anticipated: size.

"I don't see him as a full-time defensive end," Allen said in his Monday press conference. "Because I just think that from a size standpoint that's difficult to do at that size to play a full-time defensive end position. Typically in the run game, things like that. So when you get teams into a little bit more of a passing situation, there's a bigger role for that player."

Even with Baun's increased pass rushing reps on Sunday, you would still be hard-pressed to reason him as a defensive end. Each of his rushes was from a stand-up position outside the bounds of a usual hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. But that did not limit his effectiveness. Baun put together a hit and a hurry against Carolina, one week after logging a sack against Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

What We Learned From the Saints In Week 14

On both pressures against Panthers passer Bryce Young, he forced two throwaways. One on a third and long that forced a field goal and another on a fourth and long which led to a turnover on downs. The latter may have been intended for a receiver downfield, but the pass came up short and was thrown with four Saints defenders in the area.

While there was no sack added to his ledger in Week 14, those plays are considered impact moments. Another way that he has contributed positively is against one of the main annoyances the Saints have struggled against all season, the mobile quarterback.

"When we do get the quarterback off the spot and the quarterback does get outside the pocket," Allen said. "(Baun's) got the speed and athleticism to force the throwaway rather than it end of being a quarterback scramble or something of that nature. I think having a little bit more athleticism has been beneficial for us in terms of trying to be able to rush the passer."

Zack Baun forces a throwaway by Panthers QB Bryce Young / Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) forces Carolina Panthers to throw the ball away during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

In total against the Saints, Young rushed three times for 40 rushing yards. A pair of those rushes happened with Baun on the field. One went for 21 yard, the other for just 8. On the 21-yard rush by Young, Baun's 225-pound frame was double-teamed on the interior after a twist run with defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and Young ran away to the opposite side of the field. young ran right past Baun for his 8-yard rush while he was engaged with a tackle.

Young would add an 11-yard scramble without the former Badger on the field. Needless to say, the better plays for Carolina took place when Baun was not a part of the equation. Some could just be correlation, but there is enough to argue in favor of causation as well, as there are previous quarterback scrambles this season which Baun has positively impacted for New Orleans.

• Week 6: Baun wrangled Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the pocket, forcing a throwaway in lieu of a scramble. 
• Week 7: Baun and defensive end Carl Granderson chased down Jacksonville Jaguars passer Trevor Lawrence, for meager four-yard gain. 
• Week 12: He blew up a designed keeping for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder for a three-yard loss. 

In fairness to all, Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent did have a 16-yard escape with Baun on the field. However, similarly to Young 21-yard rush, the defender was on the opposite side of the play.

Baun's transition to a more focused pass rushing role is right be considered "late", but certainly not "too late" just yet. There is no question that the decision to limit him to an off-ball role was questionable at best, injudicious at worst. There is an element of this that could end up working in the team's favor. 

Though some of the responsibilities of a linebacker and defensive end may be similar, the pay scale more than certainly is not. If Baun can prove his value as a rusher off the edge over the final four games the Saints' 2023 season, it may make it easier for New Orleans to keep him around to help contribute as an athletic presence in that area of the game for the near future.

What does make this transition feel so late comes down to the fourth-year defender's struggles in coverage. Since 2021, Baun has surrendered the highest passer rating at the position for New Orleans and since his rookie season in 2020, he has allowed the highest completion percentage among linebackers at 84.6% (22/26). He did not log his first interception until this season, which he subsequently fumbled on the return. 

Zack Baun surrenders a catch to former Saints TE Dan Arnold / Sep 19, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Dan Arnold (85) catches a pass as New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun (53) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

While coverage was not his strong suit, he made his name as an NFL Draft prospect by causing havoc for opposing quarterbacks and backfields. In his final year with Wisconsin he totaled 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss. This has been a long-awaited shift for many arguing that, even as a stand up rusher, Baun would better contribute in a role akin to the one he filled in college. That desire now looks to be a reality.

Baun's presence in the pass rush game has not just caught the eyes of fans and coaches, but teammates as well. Another player who has seen his role skyrocket in the last calendar year has seen it every step of the way.

"He's been ready," Granderson said. "He's a pass rusher who can stop the run. Outside linebacker's no different than defensive end. We got the same job. He's been contributing and stepping up big for pass rushing on the other side."

The rallying around him has not been limited to words either. Allen has already made it apparent that Baun will continue to contribute as a rusher moving forward. The decision is also aided by the progress of teammate and fellow linebacker Nephi Sewell who Allen stated has earned more opportunities in the second level.

You may not be likely to see Baun putting his hand in the dirt for a three-point stance anytime soon, but expect him to have a role, particularly on late downs. Of his 24 pass rush snaps 16 were on third or fourth downs. 23 of his 24 rushes were off the end of the line while the lone remaining was attacking the B-gap (between the guard and tackle).

With one sack, one hit and one hurry over the past two games on limited opportunities, many are excited to see what he will do as this opportunity continues to expand.