The New Orleans Saints have a lot of defensive demons they'll need to exercise in the 2025 season, but the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert sees at least two trouble areas as being well in hand.
The first: Shoring up a run defense that finished 31st in the NFL in 2024.
"One thing I am confident in, I can say right now … that I think we will be better against the run defensively," Hebert said after Sunday's camp practice. "When they ran it, you might see like, Kendre Miller had a nice cut 5-6 yards and you’ve seen Velus [Jones], but mostly overall we’ve been stopping the run now. Hopefully we can run the ball. It’s not like, let’s see how they do against the Chargers, how are we going to stop the run there. But I think one thing with [DC Brandon] Staley’s defense, we’re not going to be one before last, 30th, 31st against the run, so I am encouraged by that.”
The run stuffing defense, anchored by new addition Davon Godchaux, was on display during a 126-play scrimmage the Saints held on Saturday. The offense managed just one touchdown drive on the day. Blake Grupe did go 5-for-5 on kicks, including makes from 59 and 54 yards.
But the next issue: Fixing a pass rush that couldn't get QBs to the ground in 2024.
The Cajun Cannon sees Chase Young primed for a breakout.
“I think Chase Young, maybe I’m wrong, but I think not only is he going to be among the top in the league in quarterback hurries, quarterback pressures … I think he’ll be there in sacks," Hebert said. "I truly believe how they’re going to utilize him that he’ll hit that double-digit mark as far as sacks and have a lot of success.”
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Young has been healthy and effective as he's shifted into an outside linebacker role in the new scheme, and the pass rush overall has harassed quarterbacks Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough and Jake Haener throughout camp.
The Saints have an off day Monday before their final open practice on Tuesday, after which they'll ship back out to Irvine California where they'll hold a handful of practices sandwiching the preseason opener against the L.A. Chargers. Tune in to SportsTalk throughout the week for more breakdowns from the Cajun Cannon and the rest of WWL Radio's boots on the ground throughout training camp.