The Saints are off to a fast start standing atop the NFC at 6 and 0. They've gotten it done with an explosive offense and a ballhawking defense.
It's a defense that added several key contributors during the off-season. The Saints signed Darren Sharper and Jabari Greer in the defensive backfield to get their hands on the football and prevent the big passing play. Sharper has six interceptions, three of which have been brought back to the house. Greer has just one pic, but his ratio of completions vs. attempts (on a receiver he's covering) is an impressive 33%. The NFL standard is generally anything around 50% is good. Players Greer covers only catch the ball a third of the time.
Greer is also second in the league with 10 passes defended this season. That's the number of balls he knocked away from intended receivers. "He's one of the guy's that doesn't get enough credit, he's been a fantastic addition for us this year" Saints General Manger Mickey Loomis said about the addition of Greer.
If you ask Greer himself about his play, he'll constantly deflect praise to his teammates.
"It all starts with the defensive line, the ability to pressure the quarterback, the things we've been able to do makes it that much easier for a corner. The way that these guys are putting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, they're not making my job difficult at all, and having the safeties that we have the way they've been playing this fall," Greer told WWL.
If you watch closely, you will notice teams tend to shy away from trying to "make their money" against Greer, instead choosing to go at cornerback Tracy Porter opposite of Greer.
"Yeah, I've noticed that teams rarely try to pick on Greer, not that you want to pick on Tracy Porter either, I mean he's playing pretty well also, but opponents definitely have respect for Greer." WWL's Bobby Hebert Explained.
The Saints defense has scored 5 defensive touchdowns in 6 games, 4 as a result of interceptions returned for scores. Greer humbly awaits his turn to run one back. "I think it is my turn, but as long as we are making plays and capitalizing on opportunities, I'm happy."
Is Greer headed to the Pro Bowl? Hebert says it could happen. "I think if he keeps playing like this, he will certainly be in the conversation. The problem is that if teams stop throwing at him, he won't have the opportunity to make as many plays."
Why isn't Greer being mentioned in that conversation as one of the best corners in the league?
"It's still early in the season, none of that matters. The most important thing to me is winning, and putting things on the field, doing what you need to do to give your team the opportunity to win. The year that our defensive lineman, and our safety's are having, they're doing the real work. Any recognition that I get, I automatically deflect that to them, they're doing the real work," Greer once again humbly replied.
I know the "team first attitude" displayed by Greer is extremely refreshing, but cherish his play Who Dat Nation, you're looking at one of the up and coming corners in the league.
"He's outstanding, and if you think about it, he's the best corner the Saints have had in a long time," Hebert insisted.
In a position that has seen Jason David constantly draw the ire of Saints fans, and oh let's not forget about Alex Molden (had to slip that reference in there) it's nice to finally see solid cornerback play from that position.
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