re: Can the Saints D Be Salvaged (ESPN Insider)

The New Orleans Saints have lost six games in a row at home, which is unbelievable considering they once won 11 straight in the Superdome during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
A big reason for their massive drop-off? Their defense, which allowed just 17.1 points per game during the 2013-14 steak, compared to 30.8 over its past six home games.

After another poor showing, is this defense salvageable? Let's take a look at the personnel.

Secondary Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has a history of being too complex and putting too much stress on his cornerbacks. That's a big reason why New Orleans has allowed the third-highest Total QBR to opposing quarterbacks (70.5) since the beginning of last season.

The Saints tried to address their depth issues at cornerback this offseason by signing Brandon Browner and Delvin Breaux, both of whom are physical press-man corners. The problem? They're also both drawing far too many penalties.

Linebacker
You knew the Saints were going to be in trouble at outside linebacker after they released stud pass-rusher Junior Galette due to off-field concerns. At this point in his career, David Hawthorne is just a two-down player who brings very little playmaking ability off the edge

Defensive line
Neither of the other two starters -- John Jenkins and Akiem Hicks -- is a superb pass-rusher (7.5 combined career sacks in 77 games), but they both have great size. Jenkins in particular has been a fantastic inside presence against the run.