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Drew Brees said Monday he has “all the confidence” in Saints left tackle Charles Brown, who was unable to protect him during Sunday’s 27-16 drubbing at St. Louis.

Coach Sean Payton isn’t so sure.

Payton was noncommittal Monday when questioned about Brown, who was replaced during the third quarter — an unprecedented in-game move during the Payton era. Entering Sunday’s game at Carolina (10-4), Payton said left tackle is one of at least two positions that could face lineup reshuffling.

“We’ll look closely at our options,” said Payton, who was equally infuriated with breakdowns in the kicking game and on defense.

That could mean Brown, a fourth-year pro and first-time starter, regains his job after a solid week of preparation. Lucky for Brown, Payton said he would judge him and others not just by Sunday’s game but their body of work this season.

Payton could move right tackle Zach Strief to the left side, as he did Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. That could force the Saints (10-4) to turn to reserve Bryce Harris, who took over for Stief at right tackle but can play both tackle spots.

Brown gave up two sacks to Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Brown also was flagged twice on the Saints’ final possession of the first half.

Sunday was Brown’s worst performance of the season but not his first awful game against St. Louis. In 2011, he surrendered two sacks to defensive end Chris Long and had a false start penalty.

Perhaps the worst part of the potential moves is the timing. Such changes could help the Saints improve during their final two games of the regular season, allowing them to secure the NFC South championship and advance to the playoffs with confidence. Or they could shake the foundation of a franchise that is 7-0 at home but 3-4 on the road this season.

“The one thing that I know I don’t want to do is repeat the (re-evaluation) process over and over again,” Payton said. “We’re going to look closely at what our options are and what gives us the best chance as we get ready to play this coming week.”

Read more: Saints consider their options on the offensive line | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

SmashMouth

Sounds like he's already made the move...

saintsfan1976

Move to who??

Brown had a terrible game. Does that mean you bench him for the remainder of the season?

I haven't seen anyone who could do better....

Danno

He's the best LT we have right now, unless Armstead has developed a lot faster than expected.

Strief - RT (and a good one)

Harris - RT (and a promising one)

Armstead - LT (probably needs another good off-season to develop)

Marcel Jones - RT (might be able to play LT, but I doubt any better than Brown)

TheOak

I expect to see Lelito on the field. If we are shaking it all up he is the BU Center.

saintsfan1976

Right now? Agreed.

Strief and Brown (until Sunday) have both proved to be above average and durable. I don't see a solution beyond them this season.



Beyond that

ScottF

as already pointed out, what are we going to shake up? maybe we see guys get reps in what hopefully be a meaningless Tampa game, but are we really going to go with a rookie at RT and Strief out of position?

You don't have the personnel Sean, and it's week 16, not 6.
TIME TO ADJUST THE PROTECTION, NOT THE PERSONNEL. Leave one of the offensive toys in the backfield to help pass protect, or use a TE as a TE