Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

When the New Orleans Saints brought in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan it was already established that they needed ‘attitude.’

Ryan is there to fix a historically bad defense and in a 3-4 defense, the inside linebackers play big roles.

Coach Sean Payton likes what he sees from Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma together as a team.

The two have made a seamless transition to Ryan’s 3-4 defense and Payton says they have picked up the scheme quick.

Last year Vilma moved to the weakside from the middle linebacker position and Lofton took over, however, they will be playing even closer in 2013.

"Well they are both veterans and smart players, and I think their experience being at another defense, from a learning curve standpoint, they pick things up pretty quickly," Payton said, via Nakia Hogan of Nola.com.

"Obviously one of them is playing the Mike over a guard bubble and the other is playing weakside, talking about Jon Vilma now, there are some nuances to the inside linebacker positions, but both of them have handled it well (as well as) the transition of this defense and I think their experience has really helped."

"We work really well together," Lofton said. "With him coming in last year and moving to Will and me staying at Mike, and having two great leaders on the field that only helps the defense."

Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly | 60 Max Power O - Pro Football News, Coverage and Analysis

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

Seems like both guys won't let their egos get in the way of their performance.

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

How can anyone be carrying any kind of ego after last year? When they said, "Yeah, we bad!" They meant it.

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

I still think Wilson should be playing on the inside. That would allow one of the younger players to step up on the outside.

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

Martez isn't exactly an octogenarian...

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

Neither are 90% of the players in the NFL.

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

Hahaha!

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

Didn't Vilma leave NY because they went to a 3-4 defense?

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

no

Re: Saints are high on their inside linebackers in new 3-4 scheme, Curtis Lofton and Jonathan Vilma picking things up quickly
 

I just have a problem with Loftons cover skills. He's a good player but just watching some games and highlights I just keep seeing Lofton getting beat by TE's.