:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68867249/usa_today_13205264.0.jpg)
Saints defensive tackle Malcom Brown did what he’s done his entire career in 2020 — stuff gaps and clog up space in the run game.
The 320-pound brute out of Texas University did so much against the run this year that went unnoticed because he isn’t the flashy pass rusher that excites everyone. He’s a two-down player who fills gaps and eats up double teams on early downs, and pushes the pocket on play action passes.
And while the value might not be there for a guy with a role like this, compared to a pass rusher racking up pressures and sacks, the fact remains that he did a hell of a job contributing to a defense that was once again one of the best run defenses in the league.
Malcom Brown - At a Glance
- Defensive Grade: 71.7 (9th out of 31 on team)
- Run Defense Grade: 74.4 (8th out of 29 on team)
- Pass Rush Grade 64.6 (9th out of 26 on team)
- Total Snaps: 390
Despite only playing a total of 390 defensive snaps and 158 total run defense snaps, Brown recorded 15 run stops, via PFF — which are tackles that constitute a “loss” for the offense, whether it be an actual loss of yardage or a tackle short of the marker on a third-and-short.
This gives him a run stop % of 11.5%, which is 6th-highest among qualifying DTs in 2020.
So, on a play-for-play basis, the guy was just extremely effective at plugging gaps, eating up double teams and making it hard for the offensive line to get a push on running plays.
There have been some murmurs that he might not be with the Saints next year, as they are pretty tight against the cap and they have pretty good depth on the D line.
He’s entering the final year of a three-year, $15 million deal, and NewOrleans.football’s Nick Underhill reported that the Saints could save $5 million by releasing him.
While that may be a necessary move, it would be a significant loss as far as the run defense of this team, because Malcom Brown is a good player.
What did you think about Malcom Brown’s season? Let us know in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, follow us on Instagram at @SaintsCSC and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @AndrewBell_98.