Saints’ Defense Looking to Rebound

Last season, the New Orleans Saints’ defense ranked 23rd in the NFL in total defense as they allowed 339.5 yards per game. The Saints also surrendered 24.6 points per contest, which ranked 26th in the league in scoring defense. In short, the Saints’ defense wasn’t nearly good enough. Now, they’re banking on the addition of hard-nosed defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to instill a little toughness on defense, according to Pat Yasinksas of ESPN.com. “I think his style of football is one that breeds confidence and almost borderline arrogance out there that ‘We’re going to come after you and get you,’” Saints quarterback Drew Brees told ESPN.com. “I love that attitude. ... They’re trying to build a confidence and a swagger.” Other than firing defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs and replacing him with Williams, the Saints haven’t exactly stood pat. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis re-signed linebacker Jonathan Vilma, drafted Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins in the first round and signed the following veteran free agents: defensive end Paul Spicer, cornerback Jabari Greer and safety Darren Sharper. Plus, linebacker Dan Morgan ended a one-year retirement brought about by injury issues. Per the report, Saints coach Sean Payton made sure that Williams came to New Orleans by giving up $250,000 off his annual salary to be given to Williams. That’s a major statement of confidence considering that Williams’ defense was a disappointment last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, ranking 17th in the league overall. “He’s a good leader,” Payton said of Williams. “He’s a guy that, outside of the scheme aspect of football, his defenses played real hard. That’s something you can see on film and it’s something that we’re having a chance to see now and that’s one of the reasons we wanted to hire him.”