With all the recent jokes about Jeff Fisher and his "eternal 7-9" issues, Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints could easily be perceived the same way. Over the last five seasons, New Orleans has finished four with that ignominious record, and the reasons are clear: This team has struggled to put together a functional defense with elite players, and its coordinators fail to use the players they have to their optimal abilities.
In 2016, only end Cameron Jordan and tackle Nick Fairley were consistent pressure machines, and New Orleans' cornerbacks allowed 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions.