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Sean Payton explains CB De'vante Harris' lack of defensive snaps

Sean Payton explains CB De'vante Harris' lack of defensive snaps

By Herbie Teope, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on September 28, 2016 at 12:26 PM, updated September 28, 2016 at 9:38 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie cornerback De'Vante Harris experienced a decreased role in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

After totaling 90 defensive snaps the first two games (60 in Week 1, 30 in Week 2), the 5-11, 190-pound Harris didn't see action on defense in Week 3.

Instead, the Saints leaned on B.W. Webb, who recorded 20 defensive snaps, to play outside and shifted Sterling Moore to the nickel position, where Harris often lined up.

"We like the progress of Harris," coach Sean Payton said of Harris during Wednesday morning's conference call. "We feel like he's a young, talented player, and, yet, there are some experience factors that go into that."

Webb, who signed a free-agent deal on Sept. 13, was inactive in Week 2 and Payton said he wanted to get the fourth-year pro involved against the Falcons. The 5-11, 190-pound Webb finished the contest recording a tackle, while also contributing six snaps on special teams.

The 5-10, 202-pound Moore lined up outside in the 4-3 base defense, but moved inside when the Saints deployed the nickel package with Webb outside. Moore finished the game with two tackles and a pass defensed.

Payton was quick to indicate the Saints have not lost confidence in Harris, and Webb's insertion was based on what the Falcons like to do on offense.

"We got a young, young corner who we think plays the nickel and we think plays it pretty well," Payton said. "And, yet, we felt this past week, putting Webb outside, and then moving Sterling inside – it's a team that runs the ball and Sterling's stature and size playing that nickel is, I think, a little bit bigger than where Harris is."

While Harris didn't see action on defense, he played on 17 special teams snaps, including having the dubious distinction of running into teammate Tommylee Lewis during a punt return in the first quarter.

Harris then attempted to field the punt, but muffed the ball, which Atlanta recovered at the Saints' 11-yard line.

"That's a young mistake," Payton said. "It was costly and there's really no excuse for it."

The Falcons scored a touchdown three plays later to tie the game at 7-7, and went on to produced 217 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 31 attempts in the 45-32 win.