New Orleans Saints: 2018 Season preview, prediction and more

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Andrus Peat #75 , Zach Line #42, Terron Armstead #72, Ryan Ramczyk #71 and Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints huddle during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 31: The New Orleans Saints pose for a team photo as they celebrate an interception in the end zone by free safety Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Defensive Preview

Moving onto the other side of the ball, the Saints defense blew everyone away. For years, they had been the laughing stock of the NFL. 2017 proved to be their year with the defense dominating as much as the offense. Sometimes, they even outshined the offense.

Heading into 2018, expectations are high and rightfully so. Reports from camp and preseason games show their 2017 draft picks are making strides. With Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams both on track, it’s exciting to see the younger players stepping up.

As for the veterans, Cameron Jordan is poised for another huge year. Jordan is the leader of the defense and sets the example. Jordan isn’t the only veteran worth watching as the Saints acquired Demario Davis. Davis fills their hole at linebacker and will hopefully be the missing piece they need.

They’ll also be getting back injured players such as Alex Okafor, Alex Anzalone and A.J. Klein. What captured everyone’s attention this offseason was the Saints trading up for defensive end Marcus Davenport. It was puzzling as Davenport needs a bit more fine-tuning but the Saints were up for the challenge.

It’s unclear how much of an impact Davenport will make yet. As for the rest of the defense, there is plenty to be excited about. As hard as it might be to believe, the team could be even better. Despite struggling with defense for years, they’re finally at the top and not coming down anytime soon.

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