New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan
Post-Practice Media Availability
Tuesday, June 10, 2014

How do you think today went with the many different team drills?

"Pretty good. We're going red zone mostly today and going against the number one red zone offense with Drew (Brees) and Sean (Payton) and Pete Carmichael. They're going to test you for sure. It was good. We've got a lot to correct, but our guys are moving around. We watch the tempo, make sure everybody is standing up. We're doing the right things like we always do and just trying to get better."

It looked like Patrick Robinson surprised Drew Brees on that sack. It's not easy to surprise number nine.

"Yeah, that doesn't happen. I'm sure Drew saw him coming. It's great to be out here with our defense competing against our offense, it's pretty awesome. We'll see how the chess match goes between Drew Brees and Curtis Lofton. It goes well and it's good competition, and hopefully both sides are getting better like we are."

As a whole, do you like where this secondary is at right now?

"They're solid. We have some really good football players, and that's everywhere on our defense. Mickey (Loomis) and Sean and Ryan Pace always give us great players, and we've just got to find spots for them and work them in and play them. There's competition everywhere. I really like our secondary; they're working well. Crime Dog (Wesley McGriff) and Andre Curtis do a great job with those guys."

What can Jairus Byrd glean from being on the sideline and watching?

"He's a smart guy. Believe me, he's in there taking notes in the meetings and everything. He knows the defense already, so it's real important to him to be great. That's what has helped him; he's a real smart player. I'm sure he likes watching his teammates play and he probably can't wait to get out there."

Is the goal this year to be the number one defense?

"I think it's a goal for everywhere. Here in New Orleans, we talk about 'team'. Everything is 'team', ever since I've been here it's 'team'. It's awesome to be a part of that. Everybody's here for a reason. I think Sean (Payton) and Mickey (Loomis) have picked everybody here for a reason. Our goals are team goals, and we just want to win as many as we can and win it all. If that happens to take the number one defense, then so be it. That'd be fine."

Last year you pegged Junior Galette as a breakout player. Is Akiem Hicks at that same stage in his career?

"Yes I think Hicks is definitely in that stage. I think last year you saw it. He was coming like crazy, especially at the end of the year. Most guys are tapping out, especially on those zone teams who don't want to get cut. He's going to be special this year, I think everybody can see it. A blind man could've seen Junior ascend, and you guys can definitely see the same thing with Hicks."

How is Victor Butler looking?

"Victor is doing well. Victor is smart. We take care of each other out here on offense and defense, so you will see more – obviously in training camp, when we're competing with pads and things, we will see him rush the passer more. He's a damn good pass rusher. Right now, if you're around Drew Brees, you're doing the wrong thing. You better get away from him, or I'm going to get fired. We don't want that…at least I don't. Victor can really pass rush, and you'll really see that, especially in the preseason when he gets his chance. Victor is a good player, there's no question."