New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Conference Call with New Orleans Media
Wednesday, November 1, 2017

What about the job the offensive line has done so far this season?
"I think one of the things that's helped us is the versatility with a few of the players (along of the offensive line). Senio (Kelemete) has played a few spots, you've seen Ryan Ramczyk play both sides of the ball and you've seen Andrus (Peat) play inside, play outside and I think that experience will be important. The rosters and the way they are made up in our league sometimes can be challenging as you're trying to put together your gameday actives and deal with injuries. I said this before, I think there's a handful of things that have gone right in that regard, the selection of Ramczyk I think was significant because of the flexibility he gave us at tackle. We've had Terron (Armstead) down, we've had Zach (Strief) down and I think that fortunately we've been able to move some guys around and (have) been able to still play winning football."

What have you seen from Tampa Bay, they have been struggling lately?
"It seems like we play these guys in tough games. They're a divisional opponent, so the teams know each other a little better. We're kind of in the midst (of non-divisional play) so far, this season seems like we are getting into our divisional games later than before. I know we had one, but this whole week we'll be focused on their offense and defense, (and) the kicking game. They've added some pieces to what they do (well). They are moving the ball very well, they're second in the league on offense, near the top of the league in passing offense and I think they're explosive (in) that way. Defensively, they played I thought a real good game last week against Carolina when you watch the film. They did a good job of containing that (Carolina) offense. It will be a challenge like it always is when you play someone like this in your division and our focus will be more internal in regards to how we are preparing and how we're practicing."

What have you seen out of Kendell Beckwith?
"He has played a lot of spots and a lot of snaps. There is some film of him playing the Mike, there is some film of him playing the outside backer position. I think he has been impressive and he's someone that carries his pads well, he's strong, he's big and he's had some versatility and that's pretty challenging to do in a system when you're a rookie at linebacker."

What do you remember about the draft process with him since he was a former LSU player?
"We liked the player, he was big, we had him in here, actually at our (local) pro day he came in. A lot of it was the fit and what round, but there are some many of these guys you get to know before they get drafted, but he was a guy we researched, (he's) from Louisiana (a) small town. C.J. (Curtis Johnson) coached his brother at Tulane. It's a pretty small fraternity (down here) when you're talking about an in-state player and us knowing the player and we know him pretty well. It's good to see him doing well."

How much of a consideration is run defense at the slot corner position? Is it important to their coverage skills?
"I think if they can't tackle, it's tough to play them. I'm just saying because we on offense can force them to tackle like there are plays where we can run and they have to tackle. So at some point, if they're having trouble tackling then they're going to have trouble."

In the context of Mark Ingram II's whole season, how do you view the end of his last game with him losing two fumble? And how does the team hope he'll respond or need him to respond?
"I 'm sure he'll respond. It's every once in a while something like this happens. The second time it (he fumbled) in the game, in the four minute, I know he was disappointed (and) upset. I was upset. Situationally, you're carrying the ball and carrying everyone's hopes and dreams, not just your own. He'll work to fix that and I'm sure he will."

Overall, it does seem like he's been having a pretty solid season and an important part of the offense, right?
"Yes, I would say that."

As you look over the last two games, what has led some of the issues against the run with a few long runs against you?
"Well I would say, very, very specifically there's been an explosive singular or two plays. In Green Bay it was the first series. Last week, there's an explosive (run). The minute you get (a) plus-50 run, you're almost always going to have a team that rushes for over 100 yards. Your yards per carry is going to be high. But those are still runs that occurred, so one of the things this week is we're going to have to (be) better at eliminating explosive plays defensively."

I know that Doug Martin was suspended the first month of the season, what have you seen out of him as he's working his way back into the running game there for the Buccaneers?
"He's a strong runner with good balance. We've seen some real good games from him. He's a guy that you have to populate. He has good vision. I think (he was) very good instincts as a runner and he's someone that's played well versus us."