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It can be tough to identify the bright spots on the New Orleans Saints defense after their unexpected 2-5 start. Especially within the secondary, which has thus far led the unit to the NFL’s No. 31 ranking in points allowed per game (28.5). But rookie cornerback Alontae Taylor found a way to shine through in his first start on Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals. The former Tennessee Volunteer was placed on injured reserve after sustaining an injury in practice following the Saints’ Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that game, Taylor saw his first career action, but his first start wouldn’t come until he was activated off of injured reserve last week.
Against the Cardinals, Taylor was targeted five times in coverage against four different pass catchers. Those players included veteran tight end Zach Ertz, speedy wideout Robbie Anderson, explosive playmaker Rondale Moore and a future Hall of Famer in DeAndre Hopkins. From those five targets, Taylor allowed only 1 catch for 17 yards and a 41.3 passer rating. He was also responsible for a 20% forced incompletion rate.