I've said it before...improving our run defense is more important than the improving the pass rush. I don't care how great of a pass rush you have it's not going to help you if you are giving up 6+ yards per carry on the ground. Your just not going to have many third and longs to rush the passer. Our two biggest move this off season were to sign Antonio Smith and our first round pick of Brian Cushing to play SAM. Smith is expected to help the interior pass rush on third downs...but he was also expected to be an upgrade in the run game at strong side DE. Compared to the starters last year Cushing is the only one who has the build for a SAM, especially if we are going to be in a 4-3 under where the SAM is basically on the line. Cushing's role is vital to our ability to stop the run. I like Diles. He's a hard worker who has always given maximum effort, but he just isn't the right guy to play SAM in this defense. I'm not saying Cushing would have made any difference, but I'm anxious to see him play.
The Saints are a potent offense that can give even the best defenses problems...but they are usually a pass happy team. We have got to do a better job against the run or no improvements in the secondary or pass rush is going to do us any good.
It is the pre-season and I had about the same reaction to this game as I did the KC game....no big reaction either way*.
*Disclaimer: I treated this game as more of a celebration of the return of football season and tailgating. In other words I did a lot of drinking and didn't pay that close of attention to the game. That actually probably worked out for the best though
