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New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Post-Practice Media Availability
Friday, January 3, 2014

Opening Statement

“Got through some good work this morning. Did a little red zone review, short yardage, and goal line. Any questions?”

It’s starting to get pretty cold here. Does it kind of get you ready for the coldness of Philadelphia?

“Yeah, listen, I think we’ve had a good week. We’ve had a good week of preparation. It’s a little bit quicker week with the Saturday game. Judging by what they’re saying in Green Bay, I think this will feel ok.”

Can you give any update on Pierre Thomas’s status?

“No update. We’ll get it later.”

Can you talk a little bit about the depth you have at the running back position if you do need to dip into it?

“I’m not going to go through a hypothetical. We’ve kept five this year, which is unusual. We felt those five guys were really important to what we do in our roster. Each one of those guys has a different skill set. The versatility is important. That’s one of the strengths of Pierre, his versatility both in the passing game and the running game and with regards to protections.”

Are the sweat suits ready? Do we get to see them today?

“They’re in, yeah. Shoot, I had mine on earlier. I’ve got my bottoms on.”

Coach I understand you guys got free Popeye’s today. Robert Meachem said you guys had it before the Super Bowl. Do you think it’s going to help for this game?

“It depends if it’s mild or spicy. Our nutritionist won’t be happy. Look, we’ve had a good week. I think the work we’ve gotten in against really a good team, a tough team to prepare for with what they do, a tough team to simulate on both sides of the ball because there are things that are unique not only about their offense but their defense. We know it will be a tough environment and we’ll look forward to it.”

Sean Payton's final Eagles preview

New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan
Post-Practice Media Availability
Friday, January 3, 2014

Some of the descriptions I hear about Chip Kelly’s offense remind me in a sense of your defense. Are there some kindred spirits there?

“Maybe, I tell you what, he does a great job and (Offensive Coordinator) Pat Shurmur, and those guys do a great job. This is a unique offense there is no question. I guess you can compare it to mine, it just moves a lot faster. They do all that but we are excited about this challenge. We’ve worked hard and our guys feel good. We are ready to go.”

Did you spend extra hours studying film this week?

“Definitely so. I did get a little tired watching Stanford against him in college after two games. One he was there and one he wasn’t. To be honest with you, when they hike the ball it is just going to be football.”

Can you talk about being in the playoffs after not being in them for so long?

“Just 10 years (since being in the playoffs as a coach), no it is exciting. I am undefeated though however. It is an awesome thing. This is all you work for. This is all you want and to be in 16 years and 10 years as a coordinator, this is all you work for, all you want to do. You want to win. Nothing else matters and that is why the attraction to come here and to get a chance to be a part of this is just an awesome deal. It has been awesome ever since I got here from day one. It just seems like yesterday I was up here trying to convice you we were going to be okay and I was a good hire. I think it is all working together and it is something, again, this is an opportunity I like every coach on defense was wanting the job and I was fortunate to get on.”

Nick Foles is only in his second year but he seems like a veteran quarterback. What do you see in Foles that impressed you?

“Yeah we saw him last year twice and this guy is really good. He was excellent last year so I think he has just matured. I think their system has really helped him become a great quarterback. I think he is a great quarterback. We have our hands full but I mean they have so many weapons, but at this time of year there are no weak sisters. You are going to play the best of the best and that is what it should be and we are looking forward to it.”

Your father got his start as a head coach in Philadelphia. How does it feel to go back there and play there in the playoffs?

“Yeah he did get started out there and after 25 years in the league he finally got a chance to be a head coach I guess when you say he got started. He had a long coaching career before then, but that is definitely one of his favorite spots. He loves that town. It is a tough town and it has been well documented and it was a great spot for my dad and he has done great there. I am sure the name will be fine out there in Philadelphia.”

Getting players on and off the field is going to be a challenge this game. How concerned are you about that and what can you do to combat it?

“I know that the New England game people were saying they fooled us and they went no huddle and confused the hell out of us and we had no chance. That just wasn’t the case. Whatever it is we will be fine. We are ready to go. Nobody is practicing at a faster tempo than us in the history of football so I think we will be ready to go. I know they will be faster than I have ever seen, but that is fine.”

You are saying that this week in preparation?

“Yeah this week in preparation we just ran three plays and you weren’t even looking. I’m just telling you. Damn, if they are faster than that then we are in trouble. But we will be fine.”

Nick Saban said that he would like to see the rules of football change to slow it down. Would you like to see that too?

“Doesn’t matter to me. I love the NFL, everything about the NFL. You get the best of the best. You have the best rules and however it is it is and I am happy being in the playoffs and just looking forward to this game.”

Rob Ryan talks Philadelphia Eagles