re: Awesome read on the new defense.

quote:

---

I've said this before: I don't think GW was a bad coordinator. I simply think that he descended into madness. He saw the effectiveness of the offense and it gave him this unfounded hubris.

---

I disagree with this. While some may not remember but there were signs in '09 season of flaws in Gregg Williams scheme. Even in that Super Bowl season, the defense gave up its share of big plays & made QB's like Chad Henne & Jason Campbell look like MVP candidates.

There were 3 factors that aided in the success of getting so many turnovers that season & eventually lead to being a championship squad.

One was the fact that the defensive scheme was new. Opponents didn't have film on Williams' scheme using the defensive players on the Saints roster. Yes, there was film on Gregg's scheme from his stops in Tennessee, Buffalo & Washington but with each stop came different tweeks for different personnel. Advantage Saints.

Secondly, Williams' scheme allowed for freelancing by certain players. Veteran players like Fujita, Vilma & Sharper used their knowledge & recognition to make some big plays & get some huge turnovers because of this.

Finally, Will Smith had his best season rushing the passer. His 13 sacks that season hasn't come close to being reached by any Saints defender since that season.

Once there was more film on Williams defense with the Saints, Fujita left for Cleveland, father time caught up to Sharper & Will Smith being MIA when it comes to rushing the passer that's when began to hardly see turnovers & numerous big plays given up. Blitzing is all Williams knows. When you blitz LB's & safeties as much as Williams did, you are going to allow for huge voids in your secondary which equals big plays for the opposition.