Quick takes from New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton's Friday news conference with local media:
- The fact that the Arizona Cardinals released receiver Michael Floyd (33 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns this season, and three consecutive seasons from 2013-15 of at least 47 catches, 841 yards and five touchdowns) earlier this week does not mean they don't have replacement power, Payton said. "It would be much like an injury, and other players step up, maybe get more snaps or be in a different role. I would liken it to that. Whoever that next player is who's getting more snaps, it's hard to look specifically at who gets his touches. Typically, it gets spread out. You can't pinpoint one person."
- With Terron Armstead now on injured reserve, Andrus Peat takes over the left tackle spot full time for the rest of the season. Peat had shuffled back and forth between guard and tackle depending on Armstead's availability, and likely has played as many snaps there as has Armstead. However, he now solely can concentrate on tackle. "The challenge he's had is with Terron, trying to split the practice week in case Terron doesn't play at tackle," Payton said. "He's getting work at both spots; I think that's tough to do and yet, he's been able to do that. But I think this has been, overall, a good year for him. He has settled in. I think that's encouraging. He's athletic, he's comfortable, he's in shape; now it's just a matter of all the little things that go into playing either left guard or left tackle. I think as we're able to settle him into a specific position, you'll see his efficiency grade go up."
- Payton likes what he has seen of Kevin O'Dea, who was added as an assistant special teams coach with an emphasis on the snap-hold-kick aspect of the kicking game. "He's smart. I think he's a good hand. He does a great job of working with some specific things to help (Special Teams coordinator) Greg (McMahon) and special teams assistant Stan (Kwan). He's real good with snap-hold-kick, he's got some real good drills. I think he's been real good for (kicker) Wil (Lutz). I'm glad we have him."
