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- Mar 19, 2019
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Veterans Ted Ginn, Jr., and Rishard Matthews are also on the Saints roster, as are Austin Carr, Keith Kirkwood and Tre’Quan Smith. Less-experience receivers include Emmanuel Butler, Simmie Cobbs, Travin Dural, Cyril Grayson, Jr., Deonte Harris and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
Defense: These aren’t your older brother’s Saints, especially on defense.
New Orleans finished 27th or worst in yards allowed from 2014-2016, but has climbed to the middle of the pack in the past two seasons. The Saints finished 14th in both yards allowed (349.1) and points against (22.1) per game in 2018.
The recent improvements have helped take pressure off Brees and the offense.
There are plenty of playmakers on that side of the ball, including defensive end Cameron Jordan, the son of 2019 Vikings Ring of Honor inductee Steve Jordan with 71.5 career sacks. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, the 12th overall pick in 2016, had 8.0 sacks last season.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore is one of the league’s best young players in the secondary. He has seven interceptions and five forced fumbles in his first two seasons in the league.
Safety Marcus Williams has six interceptions since being a second-round pick in 2017.
Special teams: Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but a former Viking is now with New Orleans.
Marcus Sherels signed with the Saints this offseason after nine seasons in Purple. He is Minnesota’s franchise leader in punt returns (231), punt return yards (2,447) and punt returns for scores (five).
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The Saints know a thing or two about tough playoff losses.
New Orleans was on the wrong end of the “Minneapolis Miracle” in January of 2018, when Case Keenum connected with Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard, walk-off winner as time expired.
Then, in January of 2019, the Saints were a win away from Super Bowl LIII but lost at home after a controversial no-call of pass interference with less than two minutes remaining in regulation.
New Orleans lost 26-23 in overtime. Brees was intercepted on the Saints opening drive before the Rams won it on a 57-yard field goal.
The league implemented new rules for the 2019 season, as pass interference can now be challenged by coaches and is reviewable.