Davis parlayed Saints deal into career year, playoff debut

NEW ORLEANS >> When Demario Davis reflected on his decision to sign with New Orleans last offseason, the reasons the linebacker listed had little to do with the style of defense the Saints played or even the role the club envisioned for him.

Mainly, he said, it was the opportunity to play on the same team as Drew Brees — who Davis sees as the game’s greatest quarterback — and the likelihood of experiencing the playoffs for the first time in his seven-year career.

“That’s the whole reason why I’m here, man. I didn’t have to be recruited. I looked at it as a situation where my only goal here is to get Drew another Super Bowl ring. So I just came to be part of the show,” Davis said. “That was huge. The best quarterback to ever play the game. I just want to be a part of it.”

Suffice it to say, Davis hasn’t regretted a thing. He’ll play in his first playoff game Sunday in the Superdome against the Eagles after what, by his own account, has been his best season yet.

Playing primarily weak side linebacker — as opposed to the middle spot he played previously with the Jets — Davis finished this season with 110 tackles, five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a critical fumble recovery that sealed a victory, and four pass breakups.

Not all Davis’ numbers were career highs, but statistics do not tell the whole story, Davis noted.

“The numbers are up there with some of my best seasons, but definitely efficiency” has improved, he said. “That’s my goal every year is to be a better player than I was the year before and I think I’ve done that.”