Who Dat Dish
Fansided

Saints Trying to get Better at Defensive End

By Christian Lok

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New England Patriots offense against the against the New Orleans Saints defense during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New England Patriots offense against the against the New Orleans Saints defense during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Following the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sean Payton shared his concerns with the lack of pass rush. Especially the defensive end spot, which has been a big weakness ever since Hau’oli Kikaha went down. But now it looks like the Saints are making moves to address the issue. 

It didn’t take long for the New Orleans Saints to react. After a poor showing against the Steelers, the need for pass rush seemed bigger than ever. Kasim Edebali couldn’t get around the tackle, Davis Tull seems like a players headed for unemployment and Obum Gwacham did play well, but not nearly enough to make a big difference.

So on monday, the front office made a trade with the Miami Dolphins. From the trade, the Saints will receive Chris McCain and will have to give up a conditional 7th round pick in 2017.

This move clearly makes sense for the Saints. They don’t give up much and they acquire a guy who can go after the quarterback. The reason he was available was due to the Dolphins depth at defensive end. With Cameron Wake, Mario Williams and Dion Jordan in front of him on the depth chart, the possibility of him making the team seemed very small.

McCain, who only has two sacks in his professional career, could definitely have a place on the Saints roster. Before being dismissed from Cal in college, he produced six sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss, in 18 starts.

The Saints hope he can help bring some tenacity to the edge rushing spot — something they desperately need.

This might not be the only move the saints make this week. According to Mike Triplett of ESPN, the Saints are meeting with former Cleveland Browns DE Paul Kruger.

Kruger, who the Saints really liked after his Super Bowl run with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, could most certainly help improve the defense if he is signed. He did have a down-year overall in 2015, but he still played decent when rushing the passer.

Next: Saints Discouraging in Third Preseason Game

If the Saints can sign Kruger to a small one year deal, he could be a great addition to the Saints defense, who desperately need a guy with his abilities.

Home/Saints News