Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

When the Saints traded All-Pro tight Jimmy Graham and invested heavily in the running game last month, we suggested they were taking on a new identity in 2015.

Coach Sean Payton conceded Wednesday that the Saints will lean on the ground attack, but resisted the idea of a change in philosophy.

"I think if you're looking closely to when we've been really good," Payton told KRLA-AM, "there's been that element defensively, there's been that element in the running game."

Payton is absolutely correct.

As we pointed out immediately after the C.J. Spiller signing, Payton's best offenses feature smash-mouth runners such as Deuce McAllister, Mike Bell or Pierre Thomas complemented by a Reggie Bush-style scatback.

His best teams from 2009-2011 and again in 2013 featured opportunistic defenses specializing in forcing turnovers.

Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense - NFL.com

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

Play action is our best style of play. Our D needs to be stout to give the ball back to the O, it's not rocket science. The D needs to either commit to a 3-4 or 4-3 and get the players that fit the scheme, thats it.

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

So we draft RB at 13?

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

We got it with Ingram, KRob, Hightower, Spiller and a late round/UDFA's gem. I'm much more worried about the defense

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

I wouldn't count on an "opportunistic" defense to bring the team back to a Superbowl.

A defense full of role players who can tackle and put themselves in a position to make a play is more important.

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

;) Sarcasm not detected....LOL

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

LOG looms large

we have Ingram, Spiller and nothing much after that.

what we have with KRob, Hightower god only knows and i do not count on either for much more than over hyping the RB depth this year.

I do not see a RB on the roster that fills PT role.

3rd down back that the key word describing them is versatility. So
David Johnson 2/3 - Bit of a dancer, excellent rec, blocker
Jeremy Langford 3 - Not a YAC guy but fast
Javorius "Buck" Allen 3 - probably the best boobie prize in years as the 3rd best option for a 3rd down back in a draft. Smooth runner like Yeldon

Backup OT is needed. Harris can not be the first option of the bench. Prefer one early with starting ability to take over at RT down the road.

Defense? depth for a rotation is up there for the entire DL. upgrade the depth and just maybe the saints could get pressure with a 3 man rush for once.

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

Id consider trading Robinson for a 3/4th to a team that misses out. He only has a year left and i dont see him signing again

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

I'd leave our RB situation right where it is...

If we pick up another UDFA to push or upgrade Hightower, then bully for us...

We should have learned our lesson from that Seattle Playoff Loss in the 2010 season playoffs...

Re: Sean Payton: Saints need strong RBs and defense
 

I have faith that Robinson is going to be a damn good football player. I love to watch him pound the rock. He never goes down easily on first contact and fights hard for every yard.

Hightower might surprise a few folks if he's healthy. Everyone knows that we are the destination for UDFA running backs.