The New Orleans Saints only saw their starters for a limited time in the preseason, but that small sample size showed improvements in the defensive trenches. You can point directly to the overhaul on the defensive staff for the optimism surrounding this group.
The progress that the line has made might come as a surprise to some, but it should be expected with all the changes that came to the team throughout the offseason. Defensive line changes were almost a must as well, with team legend Cam Jordan calling a former staff member "the worst d-line coach he's ever had."
In 2024, the Saints' defense was one of the worst in the league, ranking in the bottom third in nearly every statistical category. That, along with the locker room nearly bursting at the seams, greatly contributed to the new-look Saints defense we'll see this year.
This year's Saints defensive scheme is night and day compared to last
Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who is entering his third year in the NFL, says that Bo Davis has been great for him. "He's a super high-energy guy who brings his energy every single day no matter what. He's just a technician." Bresee told the media. "He's everything you would want in a d-line coach."
From the worst d-line coach ever to everything you want in a d-line coach. The difference in those quotes tells you everything you need to know about the changes the Saints have made on the defensive coaching staff.
Brandon Staley, Kellen Moore's former head coach when he was the Chargers' offensive coordinator, was one of the first people hired by the first-year head coach. Brought on as the defensive coordinator, he is flipping the Saints' defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Staley's defensive scheme, heavily influenced by Vic Fangio, is intended to neutralize the run, disguise coverages, and force quarterbacks to make poor decisions.
Kellen Moore says that Staley is building a clear vision for what the team wants on defense. "You can just feel the buy-in from that group," Moore told the media. "We got excellent leaders on the defensive side that have really led the way with the experienced players that we have. I feel like in the first three weeks he's put us in an excellent position to win preseason games. We feel very fortunate to have Brandon on defense."
To fill out the rest of his defensive staff, Staley would look for college coaches to bring on the Saints coaching staff. Most notably, Bo Davis, a three-time national champion who has coached the defensive line at several colleges, including Texas, LSU, and Alabama. It is still to be determined, but these hires appear to be paying off