New Orleans Saints vs San Francisco 49ers: Who has the better defense?
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have seen their hiccups on the defensive side of the ball.
The biggest detriment to the Saints defense is the injuries that they have accrued all over. From linebackers to the secondary, the Saints have seen a plethora of injuries throughout the defense. Without the defense at full health, it is hard to have the best the in NFL.
The Saints just re-signed linebacker Manti Te’o because they have had too many injuries at the linebacker position.
A.J. Klein, Kiko Alonso, Marcus Lattimore, and more have all missed time at some point during the season causing the second string to step in and play like stars on a top ten NFL defense.
Through Week 13, the #Saints overall grade, as a team, of 92.5 is the highest of any team in the league.
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) December 5, 2019
The offense ranks 3rd, defense ranks 7th, and special teams rank 8th. They're the only team with all 3 categories ranking inside the Top 10.#WhoDat pic.twitter.com/ZKvrZ5Fv4C
Currently, the Saints rank the 10th in yards per game, only giving up 323.5 total yards per game. They have caused opponents to cough up 13 fumbles and recovered 8 of them.
They give up 20.7 points per game (12th best in the NFL) and opponents have a 34% 3rd down percentage (6th best in the NFL). The Saints rank 3rd in the least time spent on the field during a game.
Obviously, these statistics are worse than the 49ers, but keep in mind that the Saints defense hasn’t been healthy almost all year long. When the injuries return, the Saints have a defense that could rival almost anyone in the NFL.
The biggest plus side for the week 14 matchup, the Saints have a better offense.
Next. Saints top 5 first round picks ever. dark
Unfortunately, the better defense has to go to the 49ers, but the game will be decided on both sides of the ball, not just the defensive. It is safe to say though that the 49ers haven’t seen a receiver like Michael Thomas yet.
If they contain him, they can win the game. The only problem? You can’t guard Mike!