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Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah_Saint (Post 721966)

And Keenan Lewis.

Should the same standards apply to all players on the roster?

Keenan played 6 games last season just like Ellerbe. I guess the old saying "you can't make the club if your always in the tub" only applies sometimes.

[I]And where's Stupar? He looked great in coverage and stuffing the run during the preseason...[I]

That's a good question. He's been active on each game day but he's only played 10 total snaps in the three games. PFF has him graded poorly (50.3) but still miles ahead of Laurainitis (33.5). Apparently he's keeping Anthony company on the bench while they learn how to get trucked in the middle linebacker position from a true veteran like Laurinaitis.

There's no way the coaching staff can be satisfied with Lauraintis's individual play. We've all seen how bad it is. PFF ranks him 79th out of 80 linebackers. They have got to change things up. If they don't feel Anthony is ready to call this defense by week 4, then that's on them. It's Joe Vitt's job to get him ready. It's not like he's some rookie free agent. He was a first round draft pick for Pete's sake. Let Laurinaitis coach them up in practice if that's what they're trying to do but injuries to the defense overall can't account for how bad his individual performance has been over the last 3 games.

Anthony looked like a sixth grader trying to play with the highschoolers on Monday night. I watched him exclusively on many plays because I was trying to figure out why he's not on the field more. Now I know why but I'm left wondering why he's playing that poorly?

Back on point, I absolutely respect Kenny's statements. I can only hope that the leftovers the Saints are playing with have enough talent and grit to rise to the challenge and bailout the water on the sinking ship.

In regards to Ellerbe, Lewis, (and Armstead?); one NFL GM once said "Injured players get injured." It's a simple statement but it rings true. A guy can have all the talent in the world but if he only plays 1/4 of the season, does it benefit the team that much?

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

Interesting what Kenny V. said -- it's definitely about time someone stood up out of the Sean Payton defensive locker rooms of the last few years and said SOMETHING -- but it's also interesting for what he didn't exactly say here.

For one thing, notice how he didn't exactly praise Dennis Allen or Payton, or run to support the defensive playbook or scheme. He said he cares what Drew Brees thinks of him (and well he should) because that guy is a WINNER and a LEADER. In fact, Kenny V. doesn't really say anything at all here, about believing in Dennis Allen's ideas or the coaching regime; he's pretty clearly saying that any turnaround on defense will come from the individual PLAYERS, and NOT from anything to do with the coaches currently on the staff.... Look at his quotes -- he says he doesn't care what the media says, he doesn't care what the coaches say (slight raised-eyebrows from Saintsbro there!), he says it has "nothing to do with talent or scheme" (another raised eyebrow from SaintsBro there!), and he even says that sometimes you may mess up or ignore your given assignment, and still end up making a play anyway!

Interesting perspective from one of the players!

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

Kenny is probably simply tired of losing every week.

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

I think this is more about what he didn't say...

He plays hard because of what Drew might think when he is watching the game tape. Well what does that say about his respect for Payton and Allen? Apparently he doesn't care much. People have pride and generally don't want to suck, but I don't think this coaching staff is 'inspiring' anyone to be great. No one is motivating this defense. Greg Williams did an exceptional job at that, something we haven't seen since.

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackangold (Post 721974)

I think this is more about what he didn't say...

He plays hard because of what Drew might think when he is watching the game type. Well what does that say about his respect for Payton and Allen? Apparently he doesn't care much. People have pride and generally don't want to suck, but I don't think this coaching staff is 'inspiring' anyone to be great. No one is motivating this defense. Greg Williams did an exceptional job at that, something we haven't seen since.

The players loved playing for Gregg Williams, you saw it anytime they made a play, GW was the first guy the players were looking to celebrate with.

His D may not have been perfect at times, but they were not afraid of anyone, they hit the ball carrier as if it was the last play they would ever make.

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

sounds good

talk is cheap

let the play do the talking

In our case with injuries mounting and players lost it will be hard to do.

IMO the only way this is will happen is knocking the snot out of players and taking the occasional 15 yard penalty to set the tone of the game.

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

I think he is pissed at Byrd

Re: Kenny Vaccaro says it's time for the Saints defense to take ownership of its situation

Quote:

Originally Posted by K Major (Post 721969)

Coach Payton did mention how poorly the Linebackers played as a group. He also did emphasize that James needed to play better pre season (notice how important pre season is) & same applies here. Neither James or Anthony have been good at shedding off blocks. At this point, SA needs to play better wherever he is because the angles he take have been poor as well.

IMO James L is simply too old and slow to be remotely effective.

Anthony either is playing out of position or the pick was a bust,.