New Orleans Saints rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman has certainly been making the most of his opportunities as of late. In a limited capacity, the former Oklahoma Sooner has created the potential of earning a starting role later this season.
On Sunday against the Chicago Bears, he actually ranked second on the team in terms of tackles on run defense, with four. LB Demario Davis, the future member of the Saints' ring of honor, was the man ahead of him (with eight). On the day, Stutsman had six tackles, which was four more than fifth-year veteran Pete Werner, the man ahead of him on the depth chart. If Stusman keeps this up, he might take Werner's job from his hands.
For Stutsman, this is part of an ongoing trend where he's slowly but surely getting more snaps as the weeks go by. That really shouldn't be a surprise either, as Saints head coach Kellen Moore has mentioned in the past that he wants his young players to get involved. In the case of Stutsman specifically, he said it's important that he gets some exposure. "We just put him in there for a little bit just to get him going," Moore said when asked about Stutsmans growing number of reps.
Saints veterans, like Demario Davis, vouch for Danny Stutsman's bright future
From the moment he got the phone call back in April. Danny Stutsman has been bleeding black and gold. Confessing his love for the city on the annual rookie tour, he's happy to be where he is. "At the end of the day, I'm blessed to be in New Orleans," he said at rookie mini camp. "I'm excited to be part of the Who Dat Nation."
In the months and weeks since, Stutsman has certainly shown just how much he appreciates where he's at, always making me sit up in my seat whenever he's on the field. Embracing every opportunity that comes his way with open arms, he's also managed to impress his teammates.
Pete Werner called him a guy that you love is part of the team. "He's growing and getting better each week. He's going to be a player that is going to be here for a long time," Werner said about the rookie. "He brings a lot of juice to this team. Just a great player; his willingness to learn is incredible, and he just keeps getting better."
Demario Davis said that Stutsman is setting himself up to have a really good career. "I think a learning curve for rookies when they're coming in is learning how to do a little again and then grow into a role," Davis said. "He was ready when he had his moment, and that's because he puts the time and energy into preparing. And when his number was called, he jumped out there and made some plays."