re: Film Study from the Game(with screenshots)

Here is another example of why the defense is more effective so far this season:

2)Playmaking ability of the defensive line
- I like a lot of Saints fans like Will Smith as a Saints and his contributions over the years..but the faster and younger talent on the roster right now is more effective. Here is a play where John Jenkins and Akeim Hicks are playing interior.

1st and 10 after Brees' first INT. Saints come out in a base cover two with man underneath expecting a run or a boot, which TB likes to run with Freeman.

You intially see Jenkins completely beat his man and penetrate the back field forcing the hamster to bounce it right. Now normally this play would have been open to the right and left up to a slower LB or Kenny V to come down and make a play.

But the mere strength and quickness of Akiem Hicks is the better play here. Hicks grabs the runner by the jersey and practically tackles him with one hand, saving a potential big run.