Niner Noise
FanSided

The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Marshon Lattimore poses after being selected as the number 11 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Marshon Lattimore poses after being selected as the number 11 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints

Will defensive additions be enough?

Raise your hand if you’ve heard this story before — the New Orleans Saints have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, but their defense is trash.

Yes, this was the case in 2017. While quarterback Drew Brees and Co. led an offense that was No. 2 in points scored (469) and No. 1 in total yards (6,816), New Orleans’ defense was the polar opposite.

No. 31 in points allowed (454) and No. 27 in yards allowed (6,006).

Moving the ball against the Saints wasn’t difficult in 2016, and this was a primary reason New Orleans finished with a 7-9 record. No, not even Brees can do it all.

The Saints tried to make some defensive additions via the NFL Draft this offseason. Adding cornerback Marshon Lattimore in Round 1 was smart. Safety Marcus Williams in Round 3 was good too.

We’ll see if linebacker Alex Anzalone, picked up in Round 3, is enough to bolster the front seven.

Even so, these additions only go so far. The Saints could still use pass-rushing help and even more production out of the secondary.

In all likelihood, New Orleans’ defensive adjustments make this group only slightly better than 2016.