5 Things We Loved and Hated Most In Saints Loss to Titans
What We Hated: Rob Ryan’s Playcalling
Nov 8, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan on the sidelines during the second half of their game against the Tennessee Titans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans won, 34-28, in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
I’ve never been one of the conductors on the “Fire Rob Ryan” train that seems to chug through town just about every week, but I also can’t deny when Coach Ryan puts out a particular dismal performance like he did yesterday.
One play in particular that stands out is the Delanie Walker TD that tied the game up at 28. On this play, Delvin Breaux is lined up outside on Walker. The ball is at the Saints 8 yard line. Before the snap, Breaux drops back in coverage inside the end zone.
As you can correctly assume, this space allowed for a very easy touchdown pass on a slant route in which Breaux had little to no chance of defending. This type of drop back defense has become a staple of Ryan’s Saints unit this season. We’ll probably cover this in our film study later this week.
I'm truly concerned for Rob Ryan now.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) November 8, 2015
A knee-jerk move (firing him) would not surprise me.
I wouldn't agree, but wouldn't rule it out.
There are times where this type of play is called for and needed, but Tennessee had made it very clear by this point in the game the strategy they were employing to break the Saints defensive back. Whether Ryan simply didn’t adjust to it, or was as confused as his defenders, simply won’t sit well with fans or Coach Payton.
I can’t say for sure Dennis Allen will get the nod before the season ends, but if Ryan’s troops continue to provides these types of showings, especially at home, it wouldn’t be that big of a surprise to any of us watching from the outside.
Compound all of this with the fact that past the midway point of the season this team still struggles at times with basic communication in the secondary and with fundamentals such as tackling, and it’s pretty easy to see why so many fans become upset by just the mention of Ryan’s name.
Thanks for reading everyone. As always, I welcome your comments, critiques, and all around banter. God bless, and Who Dat!