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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Darrion Gray

Zack Baun’s first career sack should lead to a specialty role

New Orleans Saints linebacker Zack Baun registered his first career sack Sunday against the Detroit Lions, beating Pro Bowl right tackle Penei Sewell off the edge for a clean takedown. It’s a sign of how he should be used more going forward. It’s kind of surprising he hadn’t registered a sack to this point in his career. Rushing the passer was his specialty in college, but in New Orleans he’s been an off-ball linebacker.

Baun registered his sack rushing against the right tackle. He only plays 23% of the defensive snaps, but he needs to be used as a pass rusher more frequently. It plays to his strengths and could revitalize his career in a pass rushing role, similar to Eagles defensive end Haason Reddick.

On a more short term note, Baun could help the Saints struggling pass rush. He would make the pass rush faster and more athletic. Using Baun as a pass rusher could help him and the Saints going forward.

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