‘I think we’ve done a better job of emphasizing it,’ says Allen.
This is what the New Orleans Saints defense may look like when it simply captures a healthy portion of the footballs in play: An NFL-high 12 interceptions resulted in an NFL-high 18 forced turnovers and a plus-8 takeaway ratio.
“I think guys have made the plays that they have an opportunity to make,” Coach Dennis Allen said. “I know we didn’t have many interceptions last year, but there were probably a dozen or so opportunities to make plays that we didn’t take.” But I believe this year’s players are making the plays.”
“We’re just catching them this year,” said safety Marcus Maye, who leads the team with two interceptions. “We had the same opportunities last year, but we’re just taking advantage of them more.” We emphasized that during the offseason, and we discussed it during the season and during camp. We focused on it, so when possibilities presented themselves, we just had to seize them.”
Following last season, New Orleans, which is 5-4 heading into Sunday’s game against the Vikings (5-4) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, emphasized ball security. The Saints had a franchise-low seven interceptions, and with only four fumble recoveries, they were minus-11 in takeaways.
However, the Saints have forced at least one turnover in every game this season, including a season-high five against Chicago on Sunday.
Linebacker Pete Werner recovered a fumble forced by linebacker Demario Davis on a sack to add to safety Marcus Maye’s diving pick.
“I was happy for Paulson,” Coach Dennis Allen stated at a press conference on Monday. “The two interceptions were executed flawlessly. You get rewarded if you do precisely what you’re instructed to do, execute the defensive strategy exactly how you’re supposed to execute the defensive system. He was rewarded with two interceptions.
“You attack the ball the way we talk about attacking the ball, and you get a punch out and a reward.” This game isn’t all that difficult. You have a possibility of success if you just look good and do right. As a result, we must do so more regularly.”
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