re: Has Byrd earned his paycheck?

I think the grade is incomplete. Effectiveness of any defense but especially this Saints defenses hinges on the ability to put pressure on a quarterback. That pressure creates not so accurate throws that a player like Byrd feast upon.

With the front four only getting 2 Sacks in 2 games it's clear that offenses are gonna iso Keenan Lewis on one side and bunch 2 or 3 WRs on one side and pick Prob and Corey White apart with quick passes and double moves, while avoiding throwing deep to a roaming Byrd.

Atlanta did it and Cleveland did the same just with with quick passes and bubble screens and deep comebacks that really exposes our 2nd and 3rd corners lack of awareness and physicality before the ball is delivered.