Vilma, Saints D hope to match output of high-octane offense

NEW ORLEANS — Defense? Defense? That is a question the New Orleans Saints aim to answer in the affirmative this season.

Last season, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards. The Saints were No. 1 in total offense. But en route to an 8-8 finish, they allowed 27 points or more in nine games (seven of them losses) and ranked 23rd in defense.

Holdover middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and the rest of a revamped New Orleans defense want to close that performance gap.

"I feel the defense is really coming along. … We're a talented group. We have to go out there and execute," says Vilma, whose teams opens its preseason at home Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Acquired last season in a trade with the New York Jets, Vilma made immediate impact by leading the 2008 Saints with 151 tackles (100 solo). But overall New Orleans has the kind of defense that makes for changes, and changes have been made.

Free-agent additions include safety Darren Sharper, a 13-year vet from the Minnesota Vikings, and cornerback Jabari Greer, a sixth-year pro from the Buffalo Bills. New Orleans' first-round draft pick was recently signed cornerback Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State.

Gregg Williams, who has an NFL reputation as a defensive fixer, is the new coordinator, replacing Gary Gibbs, who was dismissed after three seasons.

"He (Williams) is definitely bringing the attitude. He's trying to change the culture of the defense right now," says Vilma, 27.

Known for his attacking schemes, Williams has started out with the basics: tackling hard, defeating blocks and "running real fast" to the ball.

"It's attitude. It's so much about attitude," says Williams, who coached the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense last season under a one-year contract.

"It starts with attitude. Tackling starts with attitude, toughness starts with attitude, technique starts with attitude," adds Williams, Washington Redskins coordinator from 2004-2007.

Safety Roman Harper describes Williams as a "real fiery" guy. "He challenges you mentally and physically. … We need that," says Harper.

Says Vilma: "We all know he's heralded for blitzing and getting after the quarterback and things like that. … But at the same time he's a very, very good guy understanding his personnel, understanding the different personalities of the defense."

The defense took a hit this week when it was announced linebacker Mark Simoneau, Vilma's backup, will require surgery to repair a torn triceps.

Wednesday, the Saints worked out veteran linebackers Derrick Brooks (11-time Pro Bowler with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Derek Smith. Neither was signed immediately. Coach Sean Payton says the Saints will wait until after Friday night's game to "see where we're at."

Another challenge looms: starting defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant both face four-game NFL suspensions to open the season after testing positive last season for a banned diuretic. The matter is under court appeal.

Other defensive ends in the mix in New Orleans: Paul Spicer, a 10-year vet signed this year after being released by Jacksonville; sixth-year pro Bobby McCray, signed as a free agent in 2008 from Jacksonville; fifth-year pro Anthony Hargrove, signed this year as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills after serving an NFL suspension last season for violation of the league's substance abuse policy; and third-year pro Jeff Charleston.

"Right now, we're just going to keep working. We're not going to worry about the potential loss of our two players," says Vilma.

"We have to keep playing, and then we have very capable backups that are right now competing and fighting for their jobs. So whoever we play with, that's who we're going to go to war with. And we'll get it done."



(usatoday.com)