SmashMouth

Let's take a breather from talking about the NFL Draft with the New Orleans Saints for a minute or two. Let's also take a break from re-living the Saints' musical chairs within the roster.

The Saints have been one of the hottest topics around the league during this offseason, and rightfully so with shakeups on the roster, the coaching staff and the plan for ownership once Tom Benson dies. It seems like topics surrounding the Saints have been endless (and I've written about all of them at least 20 times by now).

So I came up with a few Saints topics I think have flown a bit under the radar this offseason that will play a significant role in whether the Saints rebound, stagnate or fall in 2015.

1. How secure is Rob Ryan's job?

Remember when the job status of the Saints' defensive coordinator served as the hottest talking point of the offseason. That seems like 50 years ago.

Coach Sean Payton certainly pondered making a change, but ultimately decided Ryan could be part of the solution for a defense falling from fourth overall in 2013 to 31st last season. How short is the leash, though?

The Saints wanted to change the dynamic of the defensive coaching room by adding former Raiders coach Dennis Allen to the mix. Allen began his sharp rise with the Saints as a secondary coach. This makes plenty of sense for Payton to bring back someone he trusts.

What it also shows is that there's some lack of trust with Ryan.

It wouldn't stun me in the least if Payton unloaded Ryan as defensive coordinator and replaced him with Allen if the defense opens the season sour once again. I'm talking about making a move in early October if the unit stumbles out of the gate.

2. How will Max Unger adjust to protecting for Drew Brees?

Quarterbacks and centers undoubtedly need time to figure each other out and act as one. Yes, Max Unger carries with him Pro Bowl credentials from Seattle. But there will be an adjustment period between him and Drew Brees.

Not just handling the snap either. Communication and blocking style will come into play for Unger's maturation within the Saints offense as well.

Unger has run blocking down cold. Marshawn Lynch can attest to that so I anticipate Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller taking advantage of Unger's skillset.

The major similarity between pass blocking for Drew Brees and Russell Wilson seems to be height. Conversely, Wilson seems allergic to passing from the pocket while Brees takes residence there.

I figure pass blocking for Brees has to be less complex and more predictable. I hold no doubt Unger will handle the adjustment without a hitch.




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