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How Saints vets empowered young DBs for strong start to season

METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu had a unique way of describing his team's defensive performance against the Carolina Panthers last week.

"I think for us, it's lunchtime," Mathieu said. "We know we're going to have a chance to make a play."

The defense feasted on a diet of turnovers and big plays: three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Mathieu and the defensive backs hope that success continues against the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 2 (1 p.