Saints "D": Money Well Spent
 

Saints 'D': Money well spent
10:55 PM Yahoo! Buzz

NEW ORLEANS — That $250,000 New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton gave to facilitate the hiring of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is proving to be worth the sacrifice.

The Saints are off to their first 4-0 start since 1993.

Against the New York Jets' second-ranked defense Sunday, the Saints had the more dominant unit.

Safety Darren Sharper was the centerpiece of Williams' scheme that intercepted New York rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez three times and sacked him four times to key a 24-10 victory against the previously unbeaten Jets.

Sharper baited Sanchez repeatedly, reading his eyes on a second-quarter pass from the New Orleans 15-yard line intended for tight end Dustin Keller. Sharper picked it off and raced 99 yards for the 10th touchdown of his 13-year career. Five minutes later, defensive end Will Smith forced a Sanchez end-zone fumble that defensive tackle Remi Ayodele pounced on for a 17-0 lead.

Payton is glad he got Williams, the 19-year coaching veteran. "We were in that final stage where Gregg had some other options," Payton said of Williams' Jan. 15 hiring. "After his interview, we all felt, 'This is a good fit.'

"I just wanted to make sure we didn't lose a potential candidate like Gregg over a quarter of a million dollars. I had a few beers in me. That $250,000 was a throw-in at about 9:30 on a Friday night.

"I woke up the next morning, and my wife (Beth) elbowed me and said, 'What did you do last night?' I said, 'Well, it's a long story.' "

Said owner Tom Benson, standing in the middle of the locker room, "I'm looking for Gregg Williams to shake his hand. We have a great defense. I think we surprised everybody."

-- Jim Corbett

Re: Saints "D": Money Well Spent
 

Funny. Great stuff.

Re: Saints "D": Money Well Spent
 

And SP is still sleeping at home? The wife would have booted me if I ever gave up a part of my salary. :moan:

Re: Saints "D": Money Well Spent
 

shows he is a "true team effort kind of guy"

Re: Saints "D": Money Well Spent
 

I would be sleeping with Greg Williams...............