Last week the New Orleans Saints signed another defensive free agent when they acquired longtime Dallas Cowboys rusher Anthony Spencer.
Spencer signed a one year deal that will reunite him with the Saints new Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan, who was also with Dallas. This is the fifth defensive player signed to a Saints unit that is looking to make drastic improvement as they finished the 2014 season ranked 31st in the National Football League.
The former 26th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft out of Purdue made one Pro Bowl in 2012 and was an excellent pass-rushing complement to former teammate and defensive end DeMarcus Ware in Dallas’ 3-4 defense.
Spencer’s 2013 season was brought to an abrupt end due to micro fracture surgery but in 2014, he had a solid year, recording 25 tackles, 17 quarterback pressures and a half-sack in 13 games.
What kind of production can the Saints expect to get out of Spencer and how will he impact this defensive unit?
While some may say it is too early to say whether he will be a factor or even make the squad, the defense did so poorly last year it is obvious that it can use a guy that can pressure opposing teams’ quarterbacks. In 2011 and 2012 under Rob Ryan (whose first year with the Cowboys was 2011) Spencer had his best two seasons, recording 106 solo tackles, 17 sacks and six forced fumbles.
At 6’3”, 265 lbs., Spencer has the versatility to play both defensive end and any linebacker position on the field. When the Saints introduced the 31-year-old last week; they described him as a linebacker. With New Orleans, he could be used in a strong side linebacker role similar to the role currently played by new teammate Ramon Humber. Spencer can also be used as an extra outside linebacker in run situations or be put on the edge to rush the quarterback.
Even though the Saints have 10 players listed as linebacker under contract for 2015 including Spencer, the ability for Ryan to use him in such a hybrid freelance manner gives him an edge in making this team.
The lack of quality depth on the Saints’ defense was one of many issues that caused this team to fall short of its goals in 2014. Spencer’s knowledge and history with Ryan’s scheme will give him a leg-up on picking up his new role. It’s also a major plus for the guys around him because he can help them to be crisper with their technique and their execution. When a defense can read and react faster —and think less — they can stifle opposing team’s offenses.