Sean Payton Sidesteps Browner ‘Cheap Shot’ Talk

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The circus has come to town, and they’ve set up their tents out on Airline Drive in Metairie at the Saints Training Facility.

The morning started off with rumors running rampant that the New Orleans Saints had parted ways with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan mainly due to a Twitter post by FoxSports.com’s Alex Marvez.

Alerts began pinging as not long after by Bleacher Report as well as local news stations blaring the headlines that Ryan was on the way out with his long locks flowing behind him.

There was even a hint that there was some credence to the unconfirmed reports as the media was supposed to have open access to the Saints players prior to a press conference held by head coach Sean Payton but instead was flipped to Payton speaking first.

Everyone assumed this was so Payton could address the firing before the local media had a chance to press players for answers.

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, center, with defensive coaches Rob Ryan and Dennis Allen in the second half against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Patriots won, 26-24.Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Yet Payton apologized for the change of procedure saying it was a surprise to him too and followed with his own surprise:  Rob Ryan was still the defensive coordinator for the Saints.

He also addressed the issue that they wouldn’t make a move like firing any staff without first having a conversation with general manager Mickey Loomis.

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Much like Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones who bobbed and weaved for a 78 yard touchdown run against the Saints, Payton did the same with the media who tried to press for more info on any coaching changes.

While Payton did say that they would discuss changes to help the team that is at an undeniable crossroads, he used his famous “Next question” numerous times and was ready to end the press conference if the topic wasn’t changed.

WWL-TV’s Lyons Yellin did try to broach another topic on the much discussed “cheap shot” by cornerback Brandon Browner on a Redskins offensive lineman yesterday while Jones was on his touchdown run.

Payton simply grinned at Yellin and said “we know how close you and Brandon are” and insinuated to Yellin that he had a “specific goal” in asking that question.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) hugs head coach Sean Payton in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Of course Payton was referring to the two heated exchanges that Lyons has had recently with Browner during media interviews.

There was a half-hearted attempt to explain the play by Payton; where he trailed off at the end saying “those are some of the mistakes we’re discussing (in team meetings)…….” and then said — you guessed it — “next question!”

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Once again while Payton didn’t say there would be any immediate changes, he didn’t rule out making them once he and general manger Mickey Loomis sat and talked.

The topic has been discussed heavily this morning by Saints bloggers and fans concerning Ryan who is piloting the worst defense in the league including the standards set by the 2008 Detroit Lions who went 0-16, with that team allowing opposing quarterbacks a 110.8 passer rating and the current Saints defense allowing a 116.6 passer rating.

WWLTV.com and Saints Happy Hour Podcast host Ralph Malbrough and I discussed on social media that even though it might not fix the defensive woes, a change was needed.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

I likened the needed change to cereal:  you know you’re going to have to eat cereal the rest of the season so at least change up the flavor to make it more tolerable.

And yes the blame isn’t squarely on Ryan but when you’re considered the coordinator or head of a unit it has to perform and obviously it just hasn’t regardless of if it’s fair or not.

But leave it to the Saints to once again do the exact opposite of what we think they should do.

Well hey here’s a thought, if fans all think the team should tank or lose out the rest of the season then maybe they’ll win out.

Heck at this point, something’s got to work…right???