Saints’ Payton putting nearly all players on notice

METAIRIE, La. — Sean Payton is putting nearly all of his players on notice, whether he winds up making any significant late-season changes or not.

The New Orleans Saints have long praised their head coach’s knack for motivating his charges by knowing what to say and when to say it.

On Monday, when asked if his team’s latest loss in St. Louis requires adjustments in areas such as left tackle or kicker, Payton responded like this: “Listen, I think we’re looking closely at every element. You know, I told the players today in the team meeting we’re looking closely at each aspect of this team.

“I just think it’s important for us to do that,” Payton continued. “Whether it’s the tackle position, whether it’s a player on defense … we’re going to look closely at what our options are and what gives us the best chance.”

The stakes are high this week. The Saints (10-4) can win the NFC South and second-seed in the NFC playoffs with a victory at divisional foe Carolina (10-4), but could be in jeopardy of sliding back to a wild card spot — or missing the playoffs altogether — with a loss.

Payton spent Monday morning reviewing video of New Orleans’ sloppy, lopsided 27-16 loss at St. Louis on Sunday. In doing so, he got better looks at his team’s myriad breakdowns, including those which led to two interceptions, a lost fumble, a failure to recover a mid-game onside kick, a blocked field goal, a missed field goal, an offensive line penalty that wiped out a touchdown, and missteps by defenders that allowed Rams running back Zach Stacy break loose for a 40-yard touchdown.

“It’s a tough day when you come back off a game like that,” Payton said.

While Payton isn’t likely to dramatically shake up a roster that has accounted for 10 wins, he made it clear that certain players’ roles, or the scope of their assignments, could change.

“It’s our job with an important game coming up to make corrections and then also to look closely at whom we are asking to do certain things,” he said.

Payton benched left tackle Charles Brown in the third quarter at St. Louis. Brown’s penalty for hands to the face wiped out a TD pass to Lance Moore late in the second quarter, after which Garrett Hartley had the first of his two missed field goal attempts blocked.

Brown also struggled on plays which resulted in heavy pressure on Drew Brees, who was sacked four times and often threw under duress. Hartley, meanwhile, has missed 8 of 29 field goal attempts inside 50 yards this season (He made his only kick beyond 50).

Payton declined to say whether the shake-up that occurred on the offensive line — with Zach Strief moving from right tackle to left tackle, and with Bryce Harris stepping in at right tackle — might carry over to next Sunday’s game.

“It was one aspect that I think we needed to change during the flow of that game,” Payton said. “In fairness to him, I think there were a lot of things we didn’t do well in that game.”

Brees, meanwhile, said he has “all the confidence in the world in Charles Brown.” At the same time, even Brees seemed to understand that a demotion is possible.

“The fact is we’ve got three very capable tackles and whoever’s in there I’m confidence will do a great job,” he said.

Also troubling New Orleans is its 3-4 road record.

Brees suggested the Saints might benefit from a simpler game plan.

“By doing that, I think you allow guys to play faster, play with more confidence,” Brees said. “Also, too, it’s a bit of a mentality. … It’s just establishing that feeling that when we do get down, we’re never out. We are built to be able to overcome any scenario or situation like that. But we’ve got to go out and do it.”

The Saints beat the Panthers 31-13 just two Sundays ago in the Superdome, and New Orleans linebacker Curtis Lofton said there’s no reason to start finger-pointing or panicking now.

“The sky has not fallen. We know we have a good team,” Lofton said. “We’ve got to go out and execute and play good football. We’re not in any predicament. We’re not putting any more pressure on ourselves.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.