Former Saints player makes New Orleans look stupid after fantastic first game with his new team

The New Orleans Saints feel like they improved their defense this offseason. That being said, they did allow an impactful player from 2023 to walk during free agency. Zack Baun headed to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fresh start .

His start with Philly was about as fresh as you can get. Baun was one of the best players on the Eagles defense in their Week 1 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Baun totaled 14 tackles and two sacks in his debut in green.

Zack Baun dominates in first game with Eagles

Baun's career never truly took off in New Orleans. Part of that blame goes on the Saints coaching staff.

Entering the NFL, Baun's best role was as an edge rusher. His pass rush ability was the highlight of his entire skillset. He was a great mover as he entered the pros from Wisconsin, even as a bit of a smaller edge player.

For whatever reason , the Saints chose to try to turn him into an inside linebacker.

Accordingly, Baun struggled at times in black and gold. They were not using him to his strengths, and it was costing them impressive pass rush reps from a guy who proved his value in that role in college.

Now, with Philadelphia, they have him rushing off the edge and roaming a bit less in the pass game. Wow, now THAT makes sense!

He was effective in the run game on Friday night, too. You do not total double-digit tackles if you don't make plays against both the run and pass. Baun did exactly that.

Baun's impressive outing may make Dennis Allen and co. realize how wrong they were about his potential. The Saints may regret letting him slip from their grasp during this offseason.

Related: Saints' Taysom Hill sends important update to fans for Week 1 matchup against Panthers