Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Keenan Lewis is the new guy on the block for the New Orleans Saints and after signing a five-year $26 million contract he will need to produce for the team. Lewis was probably the Saints’ biggest offseason acquisition and he was brought in specifically to help the team’s weak secondary. Lewis will be starting right away and will play alongside Jabari Greer as the Saints’ top cornerbacks.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback led the NFL in passes defended last season with 23 and the Saints are hoping he can bring the same kind of coverage skills this season. Lewis does excel in defending the pass, but one thing he must work on is hauling in interceptions. During his four-year NFL career, Lewis has only made one interception, so hopefully he improves upon that during his stint with the Saints.
Lewis will be a key player for the Saints’ defense in 2013 and will need to do all he can to improve the Saints’ historically terrible defense. Last season, the Saints gave up 7,042 yards of offense, the most in NFL history, so it is no surprise that Lewis was the Saints top acquisition. The Saints secondary should be more improved overall as the team also brought in safety Kenny Vaccaro with the 15th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.
In his first season with the Saints, I think Lewis will have a great season and could lead the league again in passes defended. Furthermore, Lewis should also be able to rack up some interceptions, something he probably has been working on this offseason. Lewis was a great pick up for the Saints, and heading into training camp, he is one of the most important players for the team’s defense.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312
