Danno

METAIRIE, La. -- Defensive end Akiem Hicks was replaced by undrafted rookie Bobby Richardson during the second half of the New Orleans Saints’ 26-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hicks admitted he was “benched” when asked why he played only 28 snaps in the game. Coach Sean Payton disagreed with the term “benched” but acknowledged that he decided to go with some other guys for performance-related reasons.

“It’s pretty common to rotate defensive linemen,” Payton said.

“If he felt like he was being benched, then, hey. And after we did that, we had pretty good production defensively. In fact, very good.”

The Saints' defensive front played its best football in the fourth quarter Sunday against Tampa Bay with two sacks (one by outside linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha and one by defensive end Cameron Jordan) and two forced fumbles (by Kikaha on the sack and by defensive tackle Kevin Williams on a run). And they went with a smaller, faster lineup in general for much of the game with Richardson playing 40 snaps, backup outside linebacker Kasim Edebali playing 23 snaps and recently-signed rookie end Obum Gwacham playing eight snaps.

It’s unclear if the change with Hicks will be permanent. But it’s clearly a disappointing development for the Saints since Hicks ha such immense potential.

...

But the 25-year-old has not yet lived up to the potential he showed in 2013, when he had 4.5 sacks and 56 tackles. Last year, Hicks had two sacks and 41 tackles. This year he has no sacks and one tackle.

Hicks said he planned to speak with Payton later Monday afternoon to get more clarity on why he was replaced in the lineup. Speaking on the team in general, Hicks said, "I feel like there’s a lot of things we can do better, and that’s what were gonna focus on. Were gonna get in here and review the tape and hopefully find some answers to the problems were having."

New Orleans Saints DE Akiem Hicks replaced in lineup Sunday - NFL Nation - ESPN

halloween 65

If Hicks does go confront Payton he needs to choose his words wisely, 0-2 more than likely has Payton in a bad mood. I'm like what Ediboli and Kiki have done but our 31st pick (I still don't like the pick) needs to step his butt up Hawthorn is doing well so far. Richardson is hungry.

AllSaints

Hicks will not be a Saints next year...

Danno

I think you may be right.

Crusader

Talking to Payton does npt have to mean confrontation. I hope they sort it out and he can be productive but if the other guys are outplaying him then hey.

ChrisXVI

I believe I started a topic about this after the first game. Wise decision.

hagan714

I do not see an issue at all. not like Hicks went off the handle. Besides it is more a Rob issue than a SP issue. Reports were talking to the wrong person

K Major

Just a thought ...put Hicks on the inside full time and see what he can do. I just don't know ...he could be possibly the closest thing we have on the roster as a pocket collapsing DT. Assistant coaches need to be accountable as well.

Coach em up Bill Johnson.

NOLA54

Coach Sean Payton disagreed with the term “benched” but acknowledged that he decided to go with some other guys for performance-related reasons.

Sounds like benched to me.

Danno

I think Hicks' problem is he just doesn't stay low. He'd get destroyed at DT.

Besides, KWilliams and Tyeler Davison have yet to post bad grades at DT.

I don't think he would be any better than Davison or Williams, and he may not even be better than Jenkins.