Payton Praises Saints Defense

Coach Sean Payton met with the media after practice today. While he was asked the usual array of questions about Reggie Bush's health, and the upcoming opponent, he spoke candidly about how impressed he is with his team's defense this year, more so than any other year since he took over 5 seasons ago.

"I think we're playing our best defense that we have in that time frame," replied Payton, when asked where this defense ranks compared to previous years. The Saints have the number one ranked pass defense, and number three ranked defense overall based on yards allowed. One area where the defense hasn't excelled as much this year as in year's past is forcing turnovers.

"I think the turnovers will come with the effort and the hustle and the energy we're playing with," he said. "We're doing a good job. The first number you look at is scoring defense  and that's the number one objective and I think you go from there. Whether it's passing defense, third down, your red zone - those are statistics that definitely improved. As we've just passed the mid point of the season with seven games left, I think we're getting healthier there as well."

The Saints are fourth in the league in scoring defense, and could improve that statistic with seven games left in the season. With healthy players returning to the fold, look for the Saints defense to continue to lead the way this Sunday versus the Seahawks.