I applaud you on your acceptance of criticism of your team. I’ve said the exact same thing to groups of Saints fans and they only reply “DREW BREEEESSS!!!” or some nonsense about winning the Super Bowl just to spite Goodell (without really offering any supporting arguments)

Couldn’t agree more, and I’m a Saints fan.

Coaches put players in situations where they think the players can most succeed. It’s up to the PLAYERS to make plays. In 2009, the saints had a difference-making, game-changing playmaker on defense in Darren Sharper. He caused havoc, created turnovers, and even scored some defensive points. The Saints were decisively outplayed in the NFC Championship game, but were able to win that game by turning the Vikings over in bunches.

Since Sharper’s urgery in 2010 after the Saints won the SB, the Saints D has not been the same. In their last two playoff losses, the Saints scored 30+ points in both contests. One reason for this is a lack of defensive playmakers.

Now, I agree with Spagnoulo in a general sense. I believe that his defense is getting better, and that he will get the most out of his personnel. Right now the Saints are 11 individuals on defense. I think they can mesh into a team sometime during the season. The cold, hard truth is this; given the Saints defensive personnel, their “most” just isn’t very much.

DT Sedrick Ellis has 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 4+ seasons, which is horrible for a 1st round pick. Will Smith is old and fat. Their secondary couldn’t catch VD in thailand, much less a football. Their leading sack guy over the last 3 seasons has been their strong safety. Not exactly the recipe for success.

Since then, they haven’t been as lucky getting interceptions and fumbles, and unsurprisingly, they’ve looked worse.

The article is right – the issue is lack of quality personnel on defense who can win individual matchups every snap.