New Orleans Saints: 3 Things We Learned vs Houston Texans

Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is tackled by New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Hau

2. Hau’oli Kikaha and Stephone Anthony are the real deal

Game after game, snap after snap, the duo of rookie linebackers is more and more convincing. Obviously there are mistakes here and there and things that need improvement but overall their impact on the field has been very good.

Kikaha played a lot of snaps in coverage, chasing down tight ends and running backs, and he’s adjusting to this role pretty well after some early struggles. On third downs Rob Ryan “unleashes the beast” and let Kikaha do what he was born to do: rush the passer. He has yet to record a sack but he’s often able to create pressure and has two QB hits and four QB hurries, alongside with eight tackles in three games, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Anthony looks already comfortable in the middle of the defense, calling the plays for the entire unit like a true leader despite his young age. The former Clemson Tiger seems to be always around the ball, especially against the run. He’s still struggling a bit in coverage but he just needs to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL because he is athletic enough to do a good job in coverage too.

If they keep improving during the regular season too the Saints may have struck gold and found a pair of good linebackers for years to come.

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