IRVINE, Calif. — There is pride in the way Davon Godchaux plays , and that may be a key element to the New Orleans Saints defense this year.

At 330 pounds, the ninth-year pro is the heaviest player on the roster. The offensive linemen who have had to face Godchaux are coming to terms with what “old man strength” means as he has tossed them aside to make plays. The veteran nose tackle has stood out for a specific reason during this training camp: He is on the field to play a central role in snuffing out the opposing team’s rushing attack, and that involves playing with pride.

“It’s just got to be something you really just do,” Godchaux said. “There’s a technique to it, but it’s more about pride in stopping the run.”

The Saints used to take pride in their run defense, but that hasn’

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