Defense the Difference in New Orleans, Denver

Two teams that have struggled on defense in years past are making a statement so far this season and it currently has both teams undefeated.  These two teams are being led by new defensive coordinators.  In addition to that they both signed veteran free agent safeties in the off-season that have done more than their share through five weeks.  The fans at the Superdome and INVESCO Field could not be happier. 

The New Orleans Saints the last few seasons have had one of the better offenses in the league and their defense held them back.  Enter Gregg Williams and Darren Sharper.  By implementing Williams’ aggressive style, the Saints are 7^th in the league in points per game against, 7^th in the league in rushing defense and 11^th in passing defense per game.  Those numbers are unheard of in New Orleans over the last few seasons. 

Darren Sharper has also come in and instilled his veteran leadership on the defense.  At the safety position he has helped put New Orleans 2^ndin the league in turnover margin at +7 through their first 4 games.  Sharper has 5 interceptions himself andhas returned 2 for touchdowns.  So not only is the defense stopping people with Williams’ aggressive style, but Sharper has gotten the offense the ball and even put points on the board himself.  Add this defense to the Saints offense led by Drew Brees and the Saints are 4-0 as the undefeated Giants come to town this Sunday.

Out in the AFC, the Denver Broncos are a shocking 5-0 under first year head coach Josh McDaniels.  This wouldn’t be possible if the Broncos defense was playing how it did the last few seasons.  However, Josh McDaniels made a great addition to his staff by naming Mike Nolan his defensive coordinator and went a step further by signing safety Brian Dawkins to be the defensive anchor. 

The numbers don’t lie in Denver either.  Nolan has his defense flying all over the field.  The Broncos rank 1^st in scoring defense, 6^th in rushing defense and 5^th in passing defense.  The Broncos are also tied for 4^thin turnover margin.  Nolan has been blitzing his linebackers and letting Dumervil use his quickness to run around OT’s, this has Denver leading the AFC in sacks so far this season.

The veteran presence of Brian Dawkins cannot be ignored.  His ability to run blitz andread plays has helped push Denver towards the top of many of the defensive categories.  Dawkins has a high football IQ that he is sharing with the rest of the Broncos defense.  Having him around the locker room and seeing his hard work in person is only going to help young studs D.J. Williams and Elvis Dumervil. It will take another big game from the defense to remain undefeated as they take on the high octane San Diego offense this Monday night.

Gregg Williams andMike Nolan might not have been the best head coaches, but they are two of the premier defensive coordinators in the league and it is showing this season in their first years withtheir new teams.  With the seasons Darren Sharper and Brian Dawkins are having, it should send a message to GM’s as well.  Don’t let players go just because of their age.  If they know how to play the game like these two do, keep them around until they don’t want to play anymore.