One defensive game from 2023 stood out to many fans of the New Orleans Saints. That would be their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Sean McVay and his offense diced up Dennis Allen’s unit in the first half to create an insurmountable lead.
Throughout the game, McVay made the correct choice. Allen did not. Alontae Taylor was benched during that game due to his struggles in the slot for the Saints. Instead of harping on that problematic outing, Taylor took it to heart and learned from it.
Now, with a more modern offensive scheme in New Orleans that will use motion, similarly to LA’s, Taylor is remembering why it was so difficult to defend that Rams offense last year.
Alontae Taylor getting flashbacks because of Saints’ new offense
Alontae Taylor says going against the Klint Kubiak offense has been helpful to get ready for a heavy motion/misdirection offense. He says it gives him flashbacks to the Rams game where he was getting beat with his eyes. Training against that every day is a huge benefit.
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 2, 2024
Klint Kubiak’s play-calling is expected to use plenty of motion in the backfield, accompanied by play-action shot plays. He wants to make the offense look as deceptive as possible for chunk gains.
That’s been evident during the team’s practices and due to his history under the Kyle Shanahan tree. Those comparable to McVay’s offense should give fans confidence. Taylor’s comments back that premise up.
Not to mention, these reps for the defense will help them to improve against those sort of offenses. The Saints have often been deceptive to motion-heavy units in recent years, and that may change with more practice against it in their own building.
Alontae Taylor impressing with his work ethic, demeanor
Alontae Taylor was again the last uniformed player to leave the field today. Juwan Johnson is still out here running routes as well.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) August 4, 2024
Taylor clearly took his inconsistent 2023 to heart.
According to reports, he is consistently bringing energy to the defense in practice and making impactful plays. He looks more polished in the slot than he did a season ago, and that should not come as a surprise.
Last season was his first full-time season in that role, and it showed. Now, Taylor is finding more comfort inside. He’s also showing the staff that he is more committed than just about anyone to improving and making up for his low points last year.
Alontae Taylor said he and Chris Olave seek each other out in 1-on-1 matchups because it’s going to make them both better.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 2, 2024
New Orleans won’t be running a stale, predictable offense when it comes to calling plays in 2024. The defense will be better for that, too. You heard it from one of their best secondary defenders, in a unique way.
