OldMaid

Fairhope, Ala. - New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo feels like one of the best things that will help improve a defense in need of vast improvement is when suspended Coach Sean Payton returns to the team, presumably Feb. 4, and slaps down countless legal pads full of ideas on how to make the Saints better.

Spagunolo said he doesn't feel like he's at a point in the offseason evaluation stage to finalize specifics of where the defense needs to improve. Spagnuolo wants Payton's opinion before there are any final judgments.

The opinions may be extensive and harsh considering the Saints allowed the most yards in a single season in NFL history in 2012 along with finishing 31st in points allowed and tied for 29th in sacks. But Spagnuolo sounded downright giddy to have Payton return with a fresh pair of eyes to help comb through the defensive deficiencies.

"I think that's a great thing. Not a great thing what happened. But when you're away (for so long), I'm really looking forward to have those conversations," Spagnuolo said Monday afternoon at the Senior Bowl. "That's what we're all in the business for is to talk football. Build, create, put something together. I think we're all anxious and we're looking forward to that."

Read more: New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo can't wait for Sean Payton to return from suspension | NOLA.com


can't wait for him to return either.

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