I especially like the “undressed po-boy on Bunny bread” analogy. I’m not familiar enough with defensive schemes and approaches to know how to analyze and describe the Gibbs/Payton approach. One thing is for sure—it’s not working well so far. I’m just hoping they have a better showing against the Bengals. I still can’t help but feel that the three joint practices last week helped the Texans really figure out the Gibbs defense and thoroughly exploit it. Can an offense without that extra one-on-one time together do the same? That remains to be seen and, hopefully, the Saints D will come out like a wounded animal against the Bengals and prove their worth. Plus, I have to believe that Payton and his coaches are meeting this minute and discussing who they want to start in place of Jason David. Any opposing team’s offensive plan is pretty obvious at this point—throw it to David’s side of the field.

McKenzie didn’t dress out, Usama Young went out with a hamstring, Randall Gay went out with a triceps strain. Tracy Porter was seeing his first action after sitting out most of camp with a hamstring, and being he is a rookie and missed practically all his reps in camp you have to expect him to be very green. I’m sure they were running a very vanilla defense being preseason. Jason David probably offered the best experience on the field, and considering his success before he became a Saint, I believe Payton has been trying to offer him every chance possible to redeem himself. Now that being said, I HOPE the coaches have come to realize that it aint workin! It’s time to drop David down the depth chart or waive him and try to bring in someone that can play at CB.
On a different note. I read a very unofficial rumor today that the Saints may be bringing in Booger McFarland for a visit. Talks with another DT may suggest that Hollis THomas may go on IR, or perhaps Brian Young’s foot apears to be a lingering problem and he can’t be counted on.

One thing I can say about the Saints defense over the last several years (including under a defensive coach like Haslett) is that they never seem to know where in the heck they’re supposed to be! I can’t believe that this team has managed to put together a group of players that really suck this BADLY! I have to agree with MtnExile that the defense really seems to lack an identity. And without an identitiy how can you have an attitude. Defense isn’t like offense. Offense is more about execution. Defense is about opposing your will on the other team and having the pride to not let them beat on you all day long.

It’s called a clusterfuck