Saints LB DeMario Davis embracing leadership role, Staley’s scheme

A new-look Saints defense lacks some veteran leadership following Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement. As the unit transitions with the coaching change, New Orleans will rely on guys like linebacker DeMario Davis more than ever. The leadership role is something he embraces.

“You have just seen it all, so you can speak to guys with so much history, experience and examples,” Davis said. “I am more of a mentor and chaplain than just a teammate.”

That leadership, combined with new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, has Kellen Moore and the rest of the players optimistic. Between his track record as a DC with the Rams, where LA led the league in many categories defensively, and what they’ve seen so far, everyone is bought into what he brings and his 3-4 scheme.

“If you’re a real dog, it’s easy to buy into his system,” Davis said. “He’s a real one, he’s a dog. Guys don’t get into that position so quickly without having a ton of success.”

“A lot of the stuff you see during training camp and OTAs is the energy, the emphasis on the ball,” head coach Kellen Moore said. “D-Jack (D’Marco Jackson) got a strip on the ball and the sideline rallied. You saw them embracing the core values they believe in.”

Talk is cheap, as New Orleans will have to prove it coming off a 2024 season where the Saints ranked 31st in run defense.