Rankins At Center Of Rising Saints “D”
December 10th, 2016
Yes, the Saints defense is very bad, but don’t look now, New Orleans hasn’t allowed 30 points in seven consecutive games.
That’s big-time progress for them.
Dirk Koetter talked about the massive offseason overhaul of the Saints defense this morning on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Koetter said he can see the growth as the unit has been coming together.
One massive spark for the Saints came last month when rookie stud defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins returned from a broken leg suffered in the preseason.
Per Nola.com, Rankins has 13 tackles in five games, two for loss, one forced fumble and four quarterback hits — plus three sacks. He’s also impressed with his versatility and consistency.
Statistics don’t always show the impact a defensive tackle has on the game, but Rankins has already found a way to consistently produce. …Since returning from a broken fibula, Rankins hasn’t started in any of his five games, but he’s played at least 63 percent of defensive snaps four times. His ability to fill in for Tyeler Davison at nose tackle, play three-technique in place of Nick Fairley or kick out to defensive end is a big reason he’s had a significant role the entire time he’s been healthy.
No, there’s no reason to fear the Saints defense, but it is improving, and a guy like Rankins must be accounted for. Joe has a bad vision of Rankins issuing a few wakeup calls tomorrow.
December 10th, 2016 at 9:49 am
Glad you put this article up Joe. Now we score 31. Go Bucs
December 10th, 2016 at 9:52 am
Mongo>rankins
December 10th, 2016 at 10:00 am
The Bucs cannot take the Saints lightly. The Bucs have beaten great teams on this winning streak, have to stay hungry, and continue viewing themselves as the underdog, even though Vegas and the pundits might not view them that way anymore.
December 10th, 2016 at 10:01 am
Sup Nos! How goes it homie. Just checked tracking on your Jersey. It is currently in Indiana and will arrive at your house by Wed 12/14. The way Spence has been playing I may have to buy one for myself.
December 10th, 2016 at 10:06 am
This game makes me more nervous than Kobe Faker when his Mom suggests it’s probably time to move out. I was actually hoping the Bucs would pick Rankin in the 1st round during the draft. I almost wonder if they would have if the Giants chose Hargraves. Either way…he looks like the real deal.
December 10th, 2016 at 10:09 am
I think everyone wanted Rankin over Hargreaves! And still do!
December 10th, 2016 at 10:25 am
In a couple yrs Hargreaves will be a household name. Rankins will be a footnote.
December 10th, 2016 at 10:34 am
What’s good SB and thanks for the update bro. As far VH3 gose it may take that long for households to know him but not opposing team’s QBs. No one is challenging that young man. Rivers did once and it resulted in a pick 6. It makes me think back to our chat at the Junktion and you sold me on the kid. I’ve been really inpress wit his play. He ahead of the curve by far.
December 10th, 2016 at 10:39 am
scotty WRONG. rankins played his ball in the ACC,I wasn’t astonished by his play when he faced my Noles a few times. Not saying the dude won’t make for quality football player but in my opinion starting next season VH3 will begin hearing the moniker “shut down corner”. He’s earning that type of respect already as rookie. After the raiders game I don’t think anyone in our secondary has played better ball on the backend. Kid’s a stud.
December 10th, 2016 at 10:41 am
Nice nick fairley pic by the way Joe..
December 10th, 2016 at 10:48 am
I don’t mind. 29-28 win will do it for me
December 10th, 2016 at 11:16 am
My biggest fear is the inconsistent offense (turnover and penalty prone) can’t keep pace with the #1 offense in the league. Defense has carried this team for 4 weeks time for the offense to be great
December 10th, 2016 at 11:44 am
Rankins was very close to being a Buccaneer.
The way I see it, Licht felt comfortable trading down 2 spots from pick #9 because he knew that the Bears wanted Floyd and he was perfectly happy with either Hargreaves or Rankins at #11. Hargreaves was plan 1A, Rankins was plan 1B. If NY had taken VH3 like they should have instead of Apple, then Rankins would have been a Buc and Licht would have gushed about getting him and about how he was our targeted guy the whole time – LOL
I believe Licht’s judgement on both players will be shown correct in time. VH3 and Rankins are probably both going to have excellent NFL careers (barring injury of course).
December 10th, 2016 at 11:56 am
We all remember our many losses at home in a row to the Saints. They have come into our house and humiliated us to losses. I as a season ticket holder for the last five years have not forgot nor do the Bucs. Blood is in the water and it’s time we seek our revenge and destroy the Saints! It’s a new day in Tampa Bay and the Bucs/fans will be ready to take back what we deserve tomorrow night and that is respect in our house! This is our house!! Bucs fans keep the faith and never look back! Go Bucs!!!
December 10th, 2016 at 12:44 pm
I was hoping for Rankins in the draft but since we got Noah I’m glad we went with VH3
December 10th, 2016 at 1:11 pm
Agreed SOEbuc.
December 10th, 2016 at 2:03 pm
This rookie will be lucky to put a hand on Jameis. He certainly doesn’t have the athletic ability to bring Jameis down for a sack. Not worried
December 10th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Rankins and Gerald and Noah…….
I could suit up at db
December 11th, 2016 at 5:54 am
lets turn these saints into little on field sluts – giving us some of that pirate’s booty at ray jay!
December 11th, 2016 at 7:35 am
@Jonbuc
You know how many times my Mom threw my clothes out the front door? I threw my clothes right back in the basement window
Im getting close to 40 years old and no way im ready to cut the cord
hell no!
#40yearoldvirginbucsfan