He is a tackling machine. When there is a play that needs to be made, he comes up with it. Although he is the heart and soul of this New Orleans Saints defense, Demario Davis flies under the radar. Davis was a great player with the New York Jets, but now as a Saint, his game has raised another level. Davis is not only arguably the best linebacker in football right now, but also the most underrated in the NFL.
.@Saints @demario__davis is so underappreciated. How in the name of… did the @nyjets let him out of the building. #whodat is lucky that some teams can’t evaluate their own personnel. He does everything well. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ZTKLnOwqNW
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 26, 2019
New Orleans Saints Linebacker Demario Davis Is Hugely Underrated
Production
If Demario Davis is healthy, which he has been the majority of his career, he makes 100 or more tackles. There are no drop-offs, and he is on track to record his third straight 100 tackle season. Davis is a model of consistency.
On Sunday, Demario recorded his first interception as a member of the Saints. His coverage skills are superb, and if he isn’t making interceptions, he makes pass deflections and is a sure tackler in the open field.
Amazing play by @demario__davis I just keep the camera rolling! pic.twitter.com/vw4NTid5XM
— Lemar Griffin (@Lemargriffin9) November 18, 2019
Davis is as sound fundamentally as anyone in the NFL. PFF (Pro Football Focus) has him rated as one of the highest-ranked linebackers in the NFL in coverage, run-stopping, tackling and pass-rushing. He can do it all for the New Orleans Saints. With six games to go, Davis has 69 total tackles, so all he has to do is average a little less than 10 a game to hit 100 again this season.
Since Week 7, Demario Davis has been the highest graded LB in the entire league.
He has been flat out phenomenal in all areas during that span:
• 92.7 Overall grade
• 88.0 Run defense grade
• 90.5 Coverage grade
• 86.5 Tackling grade
• 81.8 Pass rush grade#Saints #WhoDat pic.twitter.com/6r7zHNjhvo— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) November 12, 2019
Leadership
When Drew Brees went down with his thumb injury, there was a concern in who would step up and help lead this team. Brees has become synonymous with his pre-game speeches, and many thought Cam Jordan may take over these duties. But it was the second year Saint, Demario Davis, taking the reins. And his speeches do not disappoint.
⚜️@Demario__Davis ⚜️
on faith, football and collaborating with Drew Brees on the pregame huddle!#Saints pic.twitter.com/4JBUfTDYxf
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 4, 2019
And his coach, Sean Payton, says Davis is a strong presence in the locker room. Nothing bad is ever said about Davis and his effort or how humble he is. It makes fans, and his teammates, want to embrace him and accept his play on the field, and his humility off the field.
Payton on the impact @demario__davis has had with the #Saints pic.twitter.com/twtwLiGHdF
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 17, 2019
Faith and Selflessness
One thing about being in the NFL is the amount of community service players are able to do to give back to communities. Even though this is year two in New Orleans for Demario Davis, he has somehow already connected closely to the people of New Orleans. This story below is one example of the type of man Demario is.
I don't know if anyone has a heart as big as @saints linebacker @demario__davis. Today he surprised the family of shooting victim Sam Butler with a van they desperately needed. Demario is the real deal & should make us all proud to be a part of #WhoDatNation @TeamSam12 @wdsu pic.twitter.com/hhtEvIPIKi
— Juliana Mazza (@julianamazzatv) December 20, 2018
Demario is also a man of faith. When the NFL fined him and said he isn’t allowed to wear his “Man of God” headband, he turned it into something positive. The amount of support and love the people of New Orleans have for Davis shines through his play on the field. Davis is truly a team-first guy, who shows up and does his job week in and out.
Demario Davis had a very special surprise for one local school today 👀
[ A thread ] pic.twitter.com/u6O1Xxn7Qv
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 28, 2019
Last Word on Demario Davis
Demario Davis should be considered the best linebacker in football. It is amazing how he is hardly out of position, always near the ball when turnovers happen, and his ability to cover running backs and linebackers one-on-one. Davis continues to fly under the radar with players like Marshon Lattimore, Cam Jordan, and Vonn Bell making all the flash plays. Davis is the model of consistency, and always give the Saints a chance to win whenever he is on the field.
