Saints' defense continues to step up its game

Sep 21, 2017 - 7:49 PM NEW ORLEANS -- In the glare of the New Orleans Saints' offensive fireworks during a 49-21 rout of the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, it would be easy to overlook the improved efficiency of the defense, which struggled to stop a cold during an 0-3 start.

But an improving defense has begun to pay dividends.

Against offensively challenged Los Angeles, the Saints allowed 21 first-half points but settled down to keep the Rams off the scoreboard and hold them to 60 yards in total offense in the second half.

Even better news is that one of the first-half touchdowns -- a 6-yard pass from rookie quarterback Jared Goff to Kenny Britt -- came after Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald crushed Saints quarterback Drew Brees for a sack-fumble that set up Los Angeles at the New Orleans 6.

"I think (the defense) responded well," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "I thought we had pressure on the quarterback (in the second half). We had a handful of near turnovers, so we had other opportunities, but I thought we played with speed and energy. They played hard."

Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, defensive end Cam Jordan and rookie defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins each had a sack of Goff, and safety Kenny Vaccaro had an interception. The Saints have posted 11 sacks in the last three games, and they have allowed just 119 rushing yards in the last two.

Payton attributed the improved defensive play to his team getting healthier.

Ellerbe, Rankins and cornerback Delvin Breaux returned from injuries within the last month.

"We're healthier, No. 1," Payton said. "Having a lot of your starters back in the lineup, I think, had helped. Part of it's a little bit of momentum. You start playing well and that bar gets a little higher. It wasn't a perfect game by any means today. There will be some things on tape and we will want to clean up and correct."

Rankins' sack of Goff in the second quarter led to a fumble that the Saints recovered, and it set up a 1-yard touchdown leap for Brees, giving the Saints a 21-14 lead.

"In my mind, we need to win the next five games (to make the playoffs)," Jordan said. "At some point, you must realize that the offense is firing on all cylinders, and we must play to our ability. We must have the mindset that we are going to be the better defense on the field. In the second half, we turned it up."