With a New QB and a Dominating Defense, Saints Look Unstoppable
NEW ORLEANS - Kristian “K.D.” Bowser is what some may call a rare find here in Louisiana. Since making history as the first undrafted rookie quarterback to start week one, against Green Bay of all teams, to helping lead this team to an eight-game win streak. The Saints and their fans have been letting the good times roll with the rookie at the helm.
Despite throwing 14 interceptions already this season, Bowser has still been pretty impressive. He’s completed 127 of his 189 passing attempts for close to 2,000 yards and he’s thrown for 11 touchdowns. On the ground he’s carried the ball 54 times for over 450 yards and has managed to ring up 8 touchdowns. And he’s currently one of the top candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“They might stop blocking for me, if I don’t shout them out first, but my offensive linemen definitely get it done. Holding up all those rushing attacks so I can roll out of the pocket. So, all of my rushing yards go to them. I told them if I hit one thousand yards on the ground, everybody was getting a gift from Jordan Brand.”
Bowser recently signed a deal with Jordan Brand, so it will be interesting to see just what his guys will get this season if they achieve their goal.
Another reason why the Saints have been so successful: the defense.
“This defense has been phenomenal,” said Bowser. “The Dome Patrol is definitely in full effect this season. That we can score on both sides of the ball puts my mind at ease. It takes a lot of the pressure off when somebody runs back a pick six or even puts us in good field position. They motivate us to be better, when they get a huge stop on third down, we feel like we have to put up points or they trash talk us.”
The Dome Patrol appears to be in full effect with Pete Werner serving as their leading tackler with 86 (50 solo) tackles, followed closely by DeMario Davis with 79 (48 solo) tackles. Davis has led the team in interceptions with 6 picks that he has run back for 3 scores. Despite his stats not being as high, Tyrann Mathieu has been an important factor in the Saints defense.
“Nobody wants to throw over there,” said head coach, Dennis Allen. “Teams are afraid.”
And rightly so, but that only give his other teammates a chance to step up. Three-time Pro Bowler, Joe Haden has been equally impressive. The 13-year veteran has racked up 43 (27 solo) tackles and pulled down 4 interceptions. He is on pace to smash his 2013 rookie season numbers.
“As long as my guys are able to have my back and make plays, it’s all good,” said Mathieu. “We’re getting wins and that’s what it’s about at the end of the day.
The big guys up front are creating havoc as well. David Onyemata is leading the sack bumbers with 10, followed by Marcus Davenport (7 sacks) and Cameron Jordan (5 sacks).
“The disruptors up front make it almost too easy for us to do our jobs in the secondary,” said Haden. “Hats off to them for bringing that pressure.”
The Saints seem to be having a good time on and off the field. It started with OTAs. Coach Allen wanted to make sure his players were bonding, so he gave them the day off and they went to Baton Rouge for some Top Golf. They’ve managed to keep it going throughout the season, recently having a movie night to see Halloween Ends.
“I’m not big on scary movies, but it was a lot of fun.”
His teammates say that he is a serious guy and it was kind of hard to get him away from the film sessions and out of his playbook.
“The game is played at a such a fast pace, and I feel like I’m constantly learning or seeing something new. I try to be ready for as much as I can. This is a once in a lifetime shot for me.”
Is Bowser New Orleans’ quarterback of the future?
“That would be amazing. Truly amazing. I’m taking it one game at a time, but I would love to take up the mantle and become the next great Saints quarterback. These fans are amazing. They’re also honest. They love you when you’re up, and they love you when you’re down. The love may be tough, but it’s still love. They just want to win. And they want the city to get their respect. We’re connected in that way. Undrafted quarterback, I’m not from one of the big schools. I want my respect too.”