Saints Secondary Gets Laughingly Low Grade by National Site

Absurd is just one term that can describe where the New Orleans defensive backs were ranked in one site's rankings.

The New Orleans Saints defense ranked second against the pass in 2022, giving up an average of just 184.4 yards per contest. Opposing quarterbacks completed only 60.1% of their throws against New Orleans coverage.

The Saints allowed just one 300-yard passer; that was elite QB Joe Burrow in Week 6, and held eight of their last 11 opponents under 200 yards through the air. New Orleans surrendered five 100-yard receivers during the year, but just one such outing over their last 10 games. The secondary was responsible for six of the seven interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, while combining for 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. 

This was accomplished with elite CB Marshon Lattimore missing 10 games with serious abdominal injuries and replacing their top three safeties from the year before. Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye performed below expectations, but played much better down the stretch. 

If you're looking for a downside from the Saints pass defense in 2022, then the lack of turnovers was concerning. New Orleans had just 7 interceptions last season, second fewest in the NFL. However, the Saints are just one year removed from the sixth-most interceptions in 2021 and led the league in that category in 2020.

Alontae Taylor, a rookie second-round choice, surpassed expectations with a marvelous first season. Often asked to shadow the opponent’s top wideout because of Lattimore's absence, Taylor led the defense with 11 passes broken up and allowed just 48.5% completion percentage when targeted.

Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) battles for position with New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (27) in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

Mathieu had a team-high 3 interceptions even in a down year. Paulson Adebo slumped a bit after a terrific rookie year in 2021, but still broke up seven passes. Experienced veteran CB Bradley Roby broke up five passes and allowed just 54% completion percentage when targeted. 

In seven games of action, Lattimore didn't allow a touchdown, returned an interception for a game-clinching score against Philadelphia, and broke up four throws.  The secondary also added respected nickleback Lonnie Johnson and S Jonathan Abram in free agency and drafted versatile S Jordan Howden in the fifth round. 

Despite a strong outing and being one of the deepest units in the league, New Orleans defensive backs were grossly disrespected by Pro Football Focus. In a recent article for PFF, writer John Kosko ranked the site's defensive backfields heading into the 2023-24 season. 

The Saints came in at a laughable 19th according to Kosko, who had this to say in his ''evaluations''.

Projected starters: CB Marshon Lattimore, CB Paulson Adebo, CB Bradley Roby, S Marcus Maye, S Tyrann Mathieu

The Saints' secondary had an interesting year, finishing the 2022 regular season with the eighth-worst team coverage grade in the league, but only the Jets gave up fewer 15-plus yard passing plays.

There are talented players in this secondary: Mathieu’s 87.9 coverage grade led all safeties last season, and he gave up only one reception of 20-plus yards. If Lattimore can play at his 2021 level, this group can surge up the rankings as the year progresses.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

A New Level of Clueless 

These writers really need to watch a couple of NFL games before publishing. This is Illustrated by the fact that PFF didn't even name Alontae Taylor, the probable Number 2 corner, in their write-up. One can only wonder what, if anything, is used as criteria. 

Talent?

New Orleans needs to create more turnovers this season. It's something that realistically could keep the secondary out of the top-5. However, outside of the lack of interceptions in 2022, the statistics outlined above speak for themselves. 

There is no team that surpasses the talent that the Saints have at cornerback, one capable of matching up against the league's deepest receiving corps. Mathieu and Maye are both respected playmakers at safety, albeit after down years.

Depth?

New Orleans goes four-deep at corner, each with the talent to start for several teams. Lonnie Johnson and Jonathan Abram have been starters elsewhere at safety, with Howden adding more versatility to the position.

The ability of the New Orleans corners to lock down wideouts in man-to-man coverage lets coaches be more creative with the safeties. It also allows the entire defense be much more aggressive with their scheme and game plans.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) deflects a throw intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Projections?

Remember that Lattimore missed over half of 2022. He's still one of the league's top cover corners and routinely shuts down even the top wideouts with little help.

Maye and Mathieu will be much more effective after a year together in the system. Adebo struggled with his own injuries early last year, but still has the tools to be a fine defender. Taylor played at a Pro Bowl-level at times as a rookie and is a rising star. 

Regardless of ridiculous PFF rankings, this New Orleans secondary is one of the NFL's top units. They are key to one of the league's best defenses and will be crucial if the Saints are to return to the playoffs in 2023.