When the Saints re-signed safety Roman Harper, a starter on their 2009 Super Bowl champions, they knew he would provide veteran leadership. And, it is clear that Harper can still play at a high level. Harper had 2 sterling plays in Monday’s practice, including a forced fumble on Saints running back Mark Ingram.
Here’s the hilites:
Head coach Sean Payton said it was important that Harper, in his 11th season, make plays like the ones he made in Monday’s practice.
Payton was asked by a reporter when he would know if the Saints defense was better in 2016?
“I think we will get a good indicator after the first two regular season games,” said Payton.
“I expect us to be. It will be hard not to be, right? It will be hard not to be.”
In 2015, the Saints were last in the NFL in points allowed at 29.8 points per game. The Saints allowed 413.8 yards a game.
Payton fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan after 10 games, and replaced him with Dennis Allen. Payton gave the job to Allen full-time in the off season. It is Allen’s second tour with the Saints. He was on the Saints staff from 2006-2010 as defensive backs coach.