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Can Saints' Rob Ryan afford another down season?

@MikeTriplett: It's definitely safe to assume that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan can't survive another season like last year. But if it's that bad again, then there's no guarantee Dennis Allen automatically takes over since some of the blame would fall on him, too. They'll both have their fingerprints on this year's D.

Sean Payton decided to keep Ryan this year because he likes his passion, his work ethic and his ability to inspire players, among other qualities. But Payton made it clear that the scheme had to become more simplified so players are doing less thinking and more reacting. That's a critique that has followed Ryan throughout his career. As Payton recently told NOLA.com, "We've got to find ways to let them play, without splitting the atom on every snap. Let's go. Let's get them lined up and let them play fast. That starts with me as a point of emphasis with Rob."

Allen, meanwhile, is an extremely-detailed teacher and a calming influence who will help communicate Ryan's scheme to the players - especially in the secondary. I wrote about how they'll fit together in this "Odd Couple" feature earlier this summer. The Saints are intent on cutting down on all the mistakes that plagued them last year, such as assignment errors and missed tackles.

Can New Orleans Saints' Rob Ryan afford another down season? - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins