New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton - Local Media Availability - Friday, September 28, 2018
Why do the receivers have such an emphasis on blocking for the running game?
"I think it always has been (an emphasis) and every offseason when you study your cut ups and what I mean (by) that (is) you studied all the plays you ran in a filed order of the play (from the previous year), for you to run well in this league, you have to be able to block the force and the force is the safeties, not always, but usually and I felt last year we did a really good job of that and we've done a really good job of that (this year). There are some years when you're watching the cut ups, where we have to be better at blocking the force and understanding how to do that. It just gets back to corners in our league (for example), they have to be able to tackle and receivers have to be able to block or it really becomes difficult if not."
Does Alvin Kamara's running style where he rarely goes down with first contact play into that?
"I think there are still assignments and landmarks and technique that go into blocking and then the runners can vary. I still think it gets back to understanding the force, (the) Safety patterns and how they deploy."
What are some of the things you like about Dwayne Washington?
"He's physical and he's got really good speed. I think those things stood out when you're watching him and he's a guy that knows what we're doing and he has handled that and the reps that we've seen (from him) on the practice squad."
When you've been asked a couple times this week about pass yards given up. One thing you pointed to is the lack of turnovers that you have forced. In today's age of football, has it become an antiquated statistic with the evolution of passing offenses the last several years.
"It depends on the game. Last week and I said this afterwards, I felt there were so many things that we looked at that I felt we did extremely well defensively and how we handled the line of scrimmage and how we handled their run packages. The two-minute drill at the end of the game before overtime was was huge. They just need a field goal and we need a three and out and that was a huge end of half, end of game possession. I feel like the good news is some of the coverage busts or the big chunks we can clean up and we will."
How have you judged the offensive line's performance so far?
"I think they're doing well. (Josh) LeRibeus has played more snaps with Andrus (Peat being out for two games) and I think they're doing a good job."
Do you think some of the continuity has helped the offensive line?
"Absolutely. Yes I think so."
You didn't add a corner after Patrick Robinson went to IR, is that a sign of the confidence you have in the guys on the roster?
"Absolutely. I think P. J. (Williams) can play well and will. I think also you're just looking for the right fit. Each week it depends on your plan and what you're planning on doing with that team."
