Saints defense will be powered by one of the league’s best cornerback duos in 2024

The New Orleans Saints have paid a lot of attention to the offense this offseason. From hiring Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator, to drafting Taliese Fuaga with the 14th-overall pick, the Saints really want their offense to improve. However, the strength of the team still may be the defense in 2024.

Last season, New Orleans didn’t have a lights-out defense, often struggling against the run and getting after quarterbacks, but they were an overall solid unit. The Saints did add Chase Young and some linebacker depth to address those weaknesses, and now the hope is that the front of the defense will be able to match the back, which is an elite secondary.

Where the Saints thrived defensively last season was in the secondary. New Orleans only allowed 207.3 receiving yards per game, which ranked 10th in the NFL. A big reason why the secondary is so strong is the cornerback room. With established corners like Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor, they’re being recognized as a top duo in the league.

Maurice Moton, in a recent piece for Bleacher Report, ranked the league’s best cornerback duos. New Orleans’ duo of Taylor and Adebo came in at No. 8 on the list.

Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor ranked the 8th-best cornerback duo

That’s right, Marshon Lattimore wasn’t included in the duo. Moton acknowledges that Lattimore is the most accomplished corner on the Saints, but points out that he’s only played 17 games over the last two seasons. Because of that, Moton chose to recognize Adebo and Taylor.

Moton highlighted Adebo’s ascension into being an elite starter last season, while also pointing out Taylor’s ability to lineup outside and inside, and play against the run, recording six tackles for a loss, while also having 14 pass breakups and two interceptions.

With both players emerging, the Saints still have the elite Marshon Lattimore, and are also welcoming rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry to the party. With Tyrann Mathieu and Jordan Howden holding things down at safety, New Orleans has a secondary that should help win a lot of games.

READ MORE