Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints are heading to the postseason for the fourth time in the past five seasons after they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 42-17 on Sunday. The Saints’ offense was on fire, but their defense did a great job of holding the Bucs to only 17 points. One player that came up big for the Saints in this game was linebacker Junior Galette.
Galette did a great job of pressuring Bucs quarterback Mike Glennon, as he was able to sack him twice in the Saints’ victory. Many believe that Galette was a Pro Bowl snub and I would have to agree with that statement. Galette has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and has really turned the Saints’ pass rush into one of the best in the league.
Galette finished the regular season with career highs in tackles (36) and sacks (10) as he became one of the most consistent players on the Saints defensive line. Furthermore, Galette also had one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries this season. The great thing about Galette is that he is so young and athletic and he will surely improve as he career goes on.
Galette’s breakout season is a result of the Saints’ defensive shift from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. When Rob Ryan came in, he envisioned Galette being one of the pass rush anchors and this season and he did not disappoint.
The Saints’ defense is much better this season and that could serve them well in the postseason. The combination of Galette and defensive end Cameron Jordan is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks as both do a great job of getting to QB. The Saints are in the playoffs now and many people may not know who Galette is, but he will make a lot of noise in the postseason and people will begin to know who he is.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312
