The New Orleans Saints defense is almost like a unit of elephants on parade, steamrolling their competition and doing just as much (if not more) as the offense to get their team to a 7-1 record. They’ve allowed just two touchdowns in their last three games, have begun to combine tight pass coverage with a fiery pass rush, and are almost two years into a streak of games without allowing someone to put 100-plus rushing yards on them.
From defensive end Cameron Jordan’s perspective, their Week 9 bye couldn’t come at a worse time. He’d like nothing more than to put the defeated Arizona Cardinals in rear-view and focus on their next opponent.
“I wish there wasn’t a bye week so we could keep rolling,” the defense’s leader said during his postgame media availability. “I want to take the field with my guys again. I don’t want to go to the bye. I love the way our defense is playing. I love the way our team is playing. Each one of these wins in a 16-game schedule is precious and crucial. I guess I’m going to take this week and play Call of Duty.”
Jordan is in the middle of a career year, with eight sacks logged in his first eight games. He’s reached double-digit sacks in three of his last four seasons, and is on pace to beat his career-high (13). He’s someone who’s seen the Saints defense at its worst, with historically-bad showings early in his career. There may not be anyone in the Saints locker room who appreciates the progress they’ve made.
So of course he doesn’t want to take a break just yet. The Saints have put together an impressive six-game winning streak, largely on the efforts of Jordan and his teammates. Momentum is on their side, and it’s not time yet to let off the gas.
