Category: Saints

Can Saints Stop Rams Unique Rushing Attack?

Rams, Saints
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The New Orleans Saints wrapped up the regular season with the NFL’s second-ranked rushing defense, giving up just 1,283 yards on 3.6 yards per attempt. That would seemingly put them in good position to shut down the Los Angeles Rams new-found two-headed monster of Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson. However, the Rams present a unique challenge for defenses due to the formations they use on offense.

According to Sports Info Solutions, 82.8 percent of the Rams rushing attempts this season came from three-receiver sets. No other team in the league generated a rate higher than 69.0 percent (the Dolphins), and the other 31 teams averaged just 50.4 percent of their attempts from three-receiver formations.

The benefit of running the ball in a three-receiver formation is it limits the defense’s ability to load the box.

When defenses are able to load the box against the Rams, they’re able to slow down their rushing attack. Los Angeles averaged just 3.4 yards per attempt when running into a box with eight or more defenders, per Sports Info Solutions. However, only 17.0 percent of the Rams rushing attempts came versus eight or more men in the box, the fourth lowest rate in the league.

The Rams unique approach to the run game presents a problem for most teams, but the Saints appear to be qualified to stop it. While their run defense was slightly worse versus three-receiver formations, they maintained their rank as the No. 2 defense, giving up just 3.98 yards per attempt.

The two teams met earlier this year, so the Saints will have some familiarity with the Rams rushing attack. However, since New Orleans jumped out to a 35-13 lead in the first half, the Rams were forced to abandon the run game early. Gurley finished with just 68 yards on 13 carries, all 13 from a three-receiver formation.

Of course, none of these stats account for the fact that defensive tackle Sheldon Rankin is out with a torn Achilles tendon. His absence may create a weakness the Rams can exploit. But if New Orleans is adequately able to replace him, they could potentially slow down the Rams rushing attack in a way few teams have done this season.

Offseason Needs: New Orleans Saints

Saints, Team Needs
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1. Outside Linebacker
The New Orleans Saints are in the process of transitioning to a 3-4 defense under the guidance of Rob Ryan. And it could be a difficult switch of they can’t add the necessary puzzle pieces this offseason. Will Smith could potentially play with his hand off the ground, but he’s a candidate to be a cap casualty. If Smith is cut loose, the Saints may need two new starting outside linebackers. 

2. Defensive Line
Akiem Hicks may be able to play nose tackle, but it’s a role in which he has limited experience – and none in a 3-4 system. If Sedrick Ellis is not re-signed, they’ll also need a defensive end.

3. Safety
Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins are both coming off disappointing seasons and probably aren’t in the Saints long-term plans. Harper is due to earn over $11 million combined over the next two seasons, making him a candidate for release.

Draft Grades: New Orleans Saints

Draft Grades - 2012, Saints
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The New Orleans Saints had nothing to work with, but I’ll grade them strictly based on the picks which they did have to use. Unfortunately, the Saints took a bad situation and made it worse by consistently reaching and not coming away with any immediate help.

Akiem Hicks has the size to play the nose tackle role, which the Saints hoped Shaun Rogers could fill last year. However, Hicks is extremely raw and will likely only play a minor role in 2012.

Nick Toon had some value in the 4th round, but I don’t think he’s a great fit for the Saints. His lack of athleticism limits his upside and he’ll have to fight just to earn a spot as the 4th or 5th receiver in New Orleans.

Corey White is another developmental prospect who can play corner or safety. He’ll provide some much needed depth in the secondary.

Andrew Tiller and Marcel Jones may be handed backup jobs by default. The Saints are severely lacking depth on the offensive line, which should allow both prospects to make the final roster. However, neither has much upside and are unlikely to ever develop beyond the backup role.

Even taking the lack of picks into account, it’s tough to give the Saints high marks for this class. It’s unlikely that any of these selections will be playing a meaningful role in New Orleans three years from now and they offer almost no immediate value.