Saints backups impressed when filling in for injured starters vs. Bucs

The New Orleans Saints were without key players Marshon Lattimore, Andrus Peat, and Deonte Harris, but backups and fill-ins impressed.

P.J. Williams in for Marshon Lattimore

Will Vragovic/Getty Images

It was never really any mystery as to how defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was going to handle the loss of his best cornerback. However, the question was always going to be how that solution would hold up to the duo of big-time Buccaneers receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

Allen decided to use P.J. Williams in shadow coverage against Mike Evans, while Eli Apple would cover Chris Godwin for the majority of the game. Rookie slot specialist C.J. Gardner-Johnson would then be used in the nickel position to help mitigate the loss of Williams from that position.

The result? Williams limited Evans to four receptions for just 69 yards, and no touchdowns. Allen essentially schemed Evans out of the game, and Williams did an exceptional job at covering one of the best receivers in the league. To top things off, Williams was able to secure one of four interceptions thrown by quarterback Jameis Winston — and he did so in the end zone late in the game, helping to close out the win.

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