New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen credited veteran safety Kenny Vaccaro as one of the players who helped to breathe confidence in the 2017 defense. which featured several first-year players as starters.

"Those three (Vaccaro, Cam Jordan, A.J. Klein) have been playing at a high level, setting the tempo,"Allen said this past season. "They've accepted the challenge for what we want to do on defense and what we want to be known for as a team. Those guys have been instrumental in our ability to do that over the last five weeks. When those guys are producing for you, that's a great example for the young guys and everybody falls in place."  

In 12 games, the Texas product had 60 tackles, 1.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and a career-high three interceptions. Vaccaro was placed on Injured Reserve in December.

Best Game:Vaccaro showcased his skills against the Detroit Lions, with four tackles, a career-high three pass deflections, one interception, and one fumble recovery.

Best Quote:"I think he's playing good football and I like that he's closer to the ball. I think that he's doing a good job of handling the different roles – he's over slot receivers, he's done a good job when he's pressured. I think DA (defensive coordinator Dennis Allen) and his staff and those guys, they've packaged this well together." Coach Sean Payton on Kenny Vaccaro 

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