Willie Gay Jr. didn't see the field much in Week 1. Here's why
Was curious how the Saints would use their linebackers, but nothing crazy there.
Snaps
Pete Werner -- 39
Demario -- 38
Willie Gay -- 8— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 9, 2024
The New Orleans Saints added Willie Gay Jr. to their linebacker corps this offseason and created a lot of excitement, but it remained the Demario Davis-Pete Werner show versus the Carolina Panthers. The new addition didn't see the field much, but there are a few reasons this was the case.
Werner led the linebackers with 39 defensive snaps. David played 38. Gay was only on the field for 8 of them. But his biggest competitor for snaps isn't one of his fellow linebackers. His competition is Alontae Taylor at slot corner. It's clear Davis and Werner will be your top two linebackers which means most of the time it will put the Saints in a situation where they have to choose their base defense (with a third linebacker) or nickel package (with a fifth defensive back). Gay or Taylor.
One could argue the nickel package should be referred to as the base defense given how often the Saints go in that direction. This doesn't bode well for Gay long term, but it's important to remember the flow of each game impacts which formation the Saints prioritize.
The flow of Week 1 called for an emphasis on pass defense. Naturally, the Saints went with more defensive backs on the field. Also, Alontae Taylor was a beast. It was pretty hard to argue taking him off the field regardless of the situation.
Gay also went to the locker room with an undisclosed injury during the second quarter. This comes after he was limited throughout practice with a back injury last week. There are multiple reasons why Gay didn't see many snaps versus Carolina. Many of them can change as the season progresses.
More!
Alvin Kamara on his 50th game with 100-plus scrimmage yards
Marshon Lattimore dealing with new hamstring injury after exiting Panthers game
Taliese Fuaga was Week 1's best rookie offensive tackle in pass protection
Alvin Kamara says he's grateful for the Saints' strong fanbase
LOOK: 102 best photos from Saints' Week 1 win over the Panthers
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Willie Gay Jr. didn't see the field much in Week 1. Here's why
