NFL: Saints show it's not all about offense

The 2012 New Orleans Saints defense set new lows for putrid play, and the 2013 version wants no part of that at all.

Against the Atlanta Falcons, a last-minute goal-line stand and rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro with the game-winning play set a new tone for the once maligned defense. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan showed his usual demonstrative personality on the sidelines, which has permeated throughout his defense.

Our guys played hard. It wasn’t perfect by any means,” Ryan said, via Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.

“That was not their 2012 defense,” added Falcons coach Mike Smith.

“It’s great to win a game like that, when you have everything against you, the momentum is swinging the other way, time is running out, last play, you have to defend 2 yards. … When you make that play you feel like you are in the most incredible job in the world,” cornerback Jabari Greer said.

“The best part about this one wasn’t the play on the field but sharing the victory afterward with your teammates in the locker room,” Greer said. “There was a lot of bro love. …

“We are establishing the 2013 defensive culture.”