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New Orleans Saints: Analyzing the team’s debilitating pass-coverage woes

By Justin Dunbar

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 29: Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints reacts before an NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 29: Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints reacts before an NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

CB Marshon Lattimore

Here is where we get to the players I am far more worried about. In his rookie season, Marshon Lattimore earned an exceptional 87.9 coverage grade. Since then?

  • 2018: 75.8
  • 2019: 65.7
  • 2020: 48.6

Not only has Lattimore failed to build off his rookie season, he has severely regressed in every season since. Honestly, I don’t see him as an adequate fit for this defense.

In a traditional cover-three scheme, similar to what the Seahawks, 49ers, or Chargers run, Lattimore’s talent would mesh better; he is tremendous as a tackler and run defender. However, his skills haven’t been used in a creative fashion, and, thus, his talent has failed to be maximized.

This season, the Ohio State product is allowing a 78.3% completion percentage and a 155.9 passer rating against. For someone with the physical tools that he has (4.36 40-yard dash), you’d expect him to be sticking with the top receivers. So far, however, he has failed to break up a pass.

Similarly to Williams, now is not the time for Lattimore to have a down season. With how the cornerback market has evolved, I am guessing he will seek a contract worth $20+ million per year. His raw abilities may justify such a contract, but his production has not.

Given then his reputation is as strong as it is, I would strongly advise New Orleans leveraging him as a key asset as a trade. As for this season, putting him in a better position to succeed, whether that’s with more press-man coverage or a more versatile role, needs to be a priority.

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