New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd won't be playing this week in Arizona, and is unlikely to return till week two or three, according to ESPN reporter Ed Werder.
Byrd has been recovering from ongoing issues with knee swelling. The Saints free safety played only four games last season because he had surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Last season was Byrd's first season with the Saints, and he wasn't able to produce much in a limited time.
Since entering the league in 2009 Byrd has recorded 22 interceptions, all with the Buffalo Bills. The Saints really need to fix their issues on defense, especially in the secondary. Last year, New Orleans finished 25th in the league in terms of passing yards per game. It is are also without Keenan Lewis for the beginning of the season as he underwent hip surgery.
Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan loves to run blitz packages, but he needs to be careful in 2015 because his secondary is depleted. Sending too many rushers after the quarterback could end up in a sack, which Ryan wants, but it can also leave the Saints' secondary in one-on-one match ups, a scenario Ryan will likely want to reserve for only his top defenders.
The NFL has a "next man up mentality," and Rafael Bush will likely be that next man. Bush at least has good experience and has played under Ryan's system. He had 55 combined tackles last season and three passes defended, but he will need to step up big in Week One as the Saints have Arizona's receivers to handle. Between Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, and Michael Floyd, the Saints secondary will have their hands full.
Byrd could be back the following week against the Buccaneers, and he will be needed, as the Saints have their first game against the divisional rival Buccaneers. Ryan will likely be anxiously awaiting the return of Byrd and Lewis because the more secure he feels in the secondary the more blitz packages he can use on Sunday.
