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Saints coach Sean Payton didn’t know Rob Ryan well before considering him as a candidate to become the team’s new defensive coordinator. But now Payton is getting to know Ryan, and he likes what he’s learning.

Payton told Mike Florio that he expects Ryan’s approach to the game to make the Saints’ defense better.

“I spent a lot of time in researching Rob because we really didn’t know each other that well,” Payton said. “I kept hearing ‘passionate,’ ‘loyal,’ I kept hearing ‘confident,’ the players really play hard for him, and all of those qualities I think will be important for our defense. This is a game about passion and that’s what we’re looking for, you know players anybody in the building really in the framework of football operations we want them to have passion about their jobs. I think he has that and then really that guy that comes to work with the idea that the glass is half full and is looking forward to his next challenge. Now it’s up to us to try to as best we can through this free agency period and in the draft help our defense as much as we can and then pay close attention to what our players do well. I think that’s the most important element.”

Ryan is taking over a terrible defense that derailed the Saints’ 2012 season. Payton sounds confident that Ryan is going to turn things around.

Sean Payton calls Rob Ryan “passionate” and “confident” | ProFootballTalk

Jamessr

2nd to last is better than last year so yeah....

TheOak

Fabi-dat the New Orleans Sampson

DemonicSaint

I really don't know why Rob is getting so much hate!

The guys has only coached defenses that have mediocre to putrid offenses. Let him coach a defense that has a great offense to play along with. I'll be the first person to put my foot in my mouth if I am wrong, but I have a pretty good feeling about this. Hell! Rex has had plenty of chances to prove himself, and what has he done?

Besides, all we need is a good, or average defense to be pretty damn scary. Although I'd love to get 49ers-type defense going, which I think would make one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.

"Hell has frozen over! Pigs are flying! The Saints are going to the Superbowl!"

Jamessr

Saying 2nd to late is an improvement is fact not hate.

Rugby Saint II

Ryan has the knowledge to make this defense good, maybe not great but good. I'm all for giving him the chance now.............I wasn't at first but after a little research I am actually kind of excited. He was doing well in Dallas until he lost six starters. That's over half of the defense playing back ups. It's kind of hard to coach when you don't have enough to work with.
Unforunately, that may be a problem here talent wise. I just hope we can get a couple of impact players in the draft. Don't forget the players on IR or on the practice squad that could contribute this year.

SmashMouth

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