Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The more things change, the more they stay the same. At least that’s what is expected for the New Orleans Saints, their defense and safety Tyrann Mathieu.
The Saints are primed to take some steps forward on defense this year after a lackluster season a year ago. With scheme changes, new coaching structures, a new coordinator, a fresh philosophy and an infusion of talent, the New Orleans defense is expected to make noticeable strides in 2025.
One of those areas, behind the hapless run defense from last year, that the Saints hope to improve is the team’s ability to take the football away.
New Orleans had 11 takeaways across their first nine games in 2024, but then only three the rest of the way, which is not ideal.
But those numbers could shoot up with a more zone-match heavy approach under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. The new system is designed to put defensive backs in better position to make plays on the ball, allowing them to keep their eyes on the quarterback more consistently.
Several defensive players have highlighted exactly that element as being one of the most exciting adjustments and changes that they anticipate under Staley.
While those changes may be on the way, one thing that probably won’t change in 2025 is which player will lead the team in interceptions.
Tyrann Mathieu’s 36 career interceptions are the most among active @NFL players 🙌
📺: vs Browns on Sunday (Noon CT – FOX) pic.twitter.com/g6YfEkgswG
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 12, 2024
The Honey Badger, Mathieu, is likely to do it again for the fourth-consecutive season. Granted, two of the last three years that he’s led the team in picks he has tied with former cornerback Paulson Adebo. However, with Adebo now with the New York Giants, the path is open for Matheiu to reclaim the solo crown.
With more opportunities to watch the signal callers will come more opportunities to break on the football and try to make plays, especially over the middle of the field. With new addition Justin Reid now partnering at safety, Mathieu should be able to see a more focused role in Staley’s defense. Reid’s versatility may allow him to be up against the line of scrimmage a bit more while Mathieu gets his chance to prowl the field from multiple alignments.
Mathieu’s snap counts and percentages will be intriguing to see by the season’s end thanks to his new, incentive-laden contract. But if he is given the chance to play to his strengths in coverage a bit more, he is likely to turn those reps into playmaking opportunities.
