Keenan Lewis is the first step among many during an offseason of improvement for the Saints’ defense.
The Saints were both atrocious while attempting to defend the pass during the 2012 season, and consistently atrocious.
Only the Buccaneers were worse, and narrowly, with New Orleans allowing 292.6 passing yards per game, to Tampa’s 297.4. The Saints also gave up 66 receptions of 20 yards or more, which was one every 9.3 attempts. Then there’s the 93.8 passer rating they allowed to opposing quarterbacks.
So it’s easy to see where the focus will generally lie for the Saints starting on April 25, but zeroing in on a more specific target becomes a little more difficult. Keenan Lewis, the former Steeler, was signed as a much needed upgrade at cornerback, and his acquisition could quickly turn the Saints’ first-round direction to the other part of defending the pass that’s a pretty big deal: pressuring the quarterback. The Saints had a very moderate 30 sacks (25th), and now they need to assess their personnel during the switch to Rob Ryan’s 3-4.
Every draft pick made by every team is crucial, with the bust minefield hopefully avoided. But that’s especially true with the Saints’ second-round pick gone due to the BountyGate punishment, and their seventh rounder gone to Seattle following the trade to acquire Barrett Ruud. Barring another trade to bring in a little more ammunition, the Saints are reduced to five picks in this year’s draft.
So how will their defensive questions be answered? Well, for that we turn to Andrew Juge from Saints Nation, who answered my defensive questions.
