On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints lost a close game to the Washington Commanders. Falling 20-19, the Saints were able to stay in the game because of a dominant performance from the defensive line. New Orleans finished the game with eight total sacks, and that’s why the productive Washington offense only had 20 points.
The sack party was led by Chase Young, who was facing the team that drafted him, and Cam Jordan. Both guys had two sacks each. Demario Davis, Ugo Amadi, Carl Granderson, and Willie Gay also had one sack each. In addition to the sacks, New Orleans also had a consistent presence in the backfield, pressuring rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on many more plays.
After the game, Cam Jordan was asked about the elite pass-rushing day from the defense. The veteran defensive end credited a recent coaching change, praising Brian Young, who has served as the defensive line coach since Rizzi took over. Jordan explained that it’s a big difference playing for an “Xs and Os coach” and a coach that previously played the game.
Saints DE Cameron Jordan with high praise for new d-line coach Brian Young after 8-sack game.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) December 15, 2024
Said an obvious difference going from Xs and Os coach to someone who played the game, letting guys play and trusting them.
This praise for Brian Young also said a lot about Darren Rizzi, and strengthened the interim coach’s candidacy for the full-time position.
Cam Jordan praises Brian Young for Saints eight-sack day against Commanders
When Rizzi first took over, he made several changes. One of the changes was moving Todd Grantham from defensive like coach to senior defensive advisor, and making pass rush specialist Brian Young the actual defensive line coach. After Week 14, Grantham left the Saints entirely to be the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, and the defensive line is currently playing it’s best under Young.
Chase young btw
— Freaking about Football (@FreakyPeezy) December 16, 2024
1.5 sacks with todd grantham in 8 games
3.5 sacks in past 5 games
Bryan Bresee
4 sacks with Grantham in 9 games
3.5 sacks without in 5 games
Jordan made it clear he doesn’t think that’s a coincidence. He believes Young’s experience as a player allows him to trust his guys and just let them play. Prior to coaching, Brian Young spent nine years in the league as a defensive lineman. He played his final five seasons with the Saints, and transitioned into a coach on staff immediately after retiring.
He’s been on New Orleans’ staff since 2009, and now he’s making his biggest impact as the team’s defensive line coach. By leading the defensive line to new heights, Young is giving Rizzi and himself a chance to stick around in New Orleans after this season.
Rizzi has made it clear he knows the right decisions to make— that includes empowering others. The interim head coach picked the right person to lead the defensive line, and the team has been better because of it. When it comes to being a full-time head coach, those kinds of things are important. So when Rizzi is being interviewed during the offseason, he can highlight this situation on his resume.