!New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Opening Statement:
"This afternoon's practice was primarily, if not all of it, Kansas City-related with regards to plays, special teams (and) in the same way with offense and defense. Tonight, we will have meetings. Tomorrow, we will have a brief walkthrough and get ready to play."
What are you looking for in the first couple of series?
"Typically, in this first game, you say the first quarter, but it's one side of the ball or the other ends up with more snaps. Somewhere between that 14 to 16 play mark, we will try to divide it up into phases. In other words, phase one, phase two, (and) phase three. Defense might be moving into phase two, and yet, we are still in phase one on offense. We will try to communicate that way. There are a handful of players that are going to transition, and they may be on the field in phase one and then playing some in phase two. So, the first quarter would be a good starting point."
As far as Luke McCown and Seneca Wallace, is one of them going to get more snaps and then maybe switch it up for the Raiders game?
"I think for this first game, Luke will receive all of the snaps with the second phase, and then Ryan will come in. We are probably going to rest Seneca just with him coming off of his muscle pull and make sure he is back 100 percent, and I can give him more reps next week."
Even though it is a preseason game, this will be your first game in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in a while. How special is it?
"I think just getting back to being out on the field at practice and having a chance to get back and coach a regular game. I think that part of it is exciting."
What kind of response do you think you will get from the fans?
"They have been great. I think that they get excited about our team, especially the start of a season, after everything that went on a year ago. So there will be an excitement level. I know our players are excited to play."
Do the younger guys need to make up some ground in the next two weeks?
"This is the time. All spring, you guys got tired of hearing me say, 'We have to wait until the pads come on.' The pads are on. This is the time for us to see what these guys can do when the lights go on and in a game setting."
Do you have an update on Tiller (Andrew) and Olsen (Eric)?
"Nothing new with where they are at. There is a chance that Olsen may play. I don't think that Tiller will. We will see."
What are their injuries?
"They just have pulls. Olsen has a foot, and Tiller has a pull. So, we will go from there."
Pierre Thomas and Junior Galette both left early yesterday?
"We will see where they are at. I don't want to go through all of these injured players. Both of them left. Both of them will be questionable if we are going to play them. A few of these guys, we will see how they handle the warm ups and make a decision."
New Orleans Saints Quarterback Ryan Griffin
Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, August 8 2013
How excited are you to get back to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and considering how many games you have played in the Superdome now to play as a pro?
"Yes, I am assuming it's going to be different but right now it seems the same going over there and playing another game in the dome. I am excited to get back out there and play."
Has Coach Payton told you, maybe a quarter or quarter and a half or how many series, has he gone over that with you?
"Not really, I feel that it towards the end of the game, whether it's a quarter or a little less it will just depend on the game."
What's the best advice Drew Brees has given about in a quarter?
"He has given me a ton of advice. The biggest thing for me that I have gotten from him is just he is so balanced, (and) his footwork is so good. He has given me tips, just watching him and the example he sets is pretty good. So I just try to watch him and I try to pick up on it fast."
Are your like us, in the fact, in awe of his accuracy. It seems like every pass he throws is always right there in your hands.
"You know it is pretty special. I don't think you appreciate it until you go watch another team practice. I have watched Tulane's practice and I am so used to watching Drew, Luke (McCown), and Seneca (Wallace) and just the speed of the this game and going to watch our practice is just a different speed than Tulane's practice. You don't appreciate until you watch something else he is just automatic, right there, and every pass is where he wants to be and it's very special."
Do you have any nerves at all? If you don't have any, do you think you will, tomorrow when you wake up or before the game?
"I mean you always have a little nerves before (a) game, it's just going to be different not going out and not playing right away and waiting. I'm kind of waiting and trying to get back in the second half and get ready then. That's the one thing I'm trying to figure out how to adjust to that."
And then for you, I'm assuming it's going to be the largest crowd you have ever played for right?
"Probably, I have played LSU with my second start at LSU on Halloween and that was rocking but I'm sure the dome (Mercedes-Benz Superdome) will be rocking too."
New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins
Post-Practice Media Availability
August, 8, 2013
Can you comment on what just happened to Kenny Vaccaro and Rod Sweating?
"Coach wanted us to be hydrated. We have a game tomorrow so we wanted to make sure our rookies are hydrated."
It's pretty fun to remind them that they are rookies right?
"Everybody goes through it at one point. Today just happened to be their day."
Are you disappointed in how quickly they got out?
"Not really. They almost hurt themselves when they were trying to fight out. They are usually supposed to wait for other rookies to help them out. They got out a little faster and we took it easy on them."
What are you looking for out of the first game, both from an individual standpoint and also as a team defense?
"Individually, I think it's just about getting into the groove of the game. Being able to get out there in the first fifth teen, making the proper adjustments in the secondary, making sure my eyes are lined up, fly around, and just do the little things right. From a defensive standpoint, the game plan is pretty simple. Get out there, execute, fly around, be physical, and that's it. We just want to see guys cut it loose and play hard. We can add the Xs and Os later but for right now, this is all about evaluating individuals, seeing how smart they are, how physical they are, and how they can grasp the game. Some of the young guys will probably get a little gassed during the game and this is a chance for us to see what they do when they get tired, if they result in mental lapses, penalties and things like that. It will be a good chance to evaluate where we are."
Do you view the snaps you're taking a variety of ways. Will you be all over the field with the defense?
"I'm not sure how many snaps I am going to receive yet because they haven't told me. I'm pretty sure if they give me a decent amount then I will move around a bit. I don't know though. They might only play me at the safety position, so I am (not) sure where I will be."
What do you think the atmosphere is going to be like? It's only the first preseason game, but it's also Sean's (Payton) first game in 18 months inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
"I think it's going to be loud. Every time we go in the dome, wither it's a preseason game or regular season game, it's pretty loud. I think with Sean's return and just the anticipation that seems to be buzzing around this season I think everybody is going to be really excited."
You might get a chance to go against a former teammate in Chase Daniel. Would you like to?
"I know when Chase gets out there he is going to sling the ball around. When he gets in these preseason games he throws the ball all over the field. It will be fun to play against him but I'm sure he will make some plays and it will be good to see him."
New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver Nick Toon
Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, August 8, 2013
How much are you looking forward to getting out there and playing with the team?
"It's exciting. It's been a long time coming. I'm finally healthy and ready to try and get out there and get rolling."
With Joseph Morgan getting injured and Marques Colston not taking as many reps, does it get you excited that you will have an opportunity to stand out?
"Definitely. It's like the next man in mentality. I have to step up and go out there and make plays and have fun."
How do you feel about your opportunity?
"It's great. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity I have. My job is to go out there and go out there and perform, showcase my ability, and the rest will take care of itself."
Do you have a gameday routine that you did at Wisconsin that you will do here?
"No, I'm (not) super ritualistic or anything. I like to listen to music and try to relax a little bit, calm my mind, and go out there and have fun. That's my biggest thing, make sure I am having fun and when I am having fun is when I play my best."
Do you feel any butterflies?
"No, actually its funny, the only thing that ever gave me butterflies was when I run track right before a track race. I never got butterflies for football. I don't anticipate it happening. It didn't happen to me in college, but you never know."
Do you see yourself as a speed guy?
"I think one of the things that has been maybe looked past a little bit in my skill set is my speed. I'm not as fast a Joe Morgan or some of the super speed guys, but I do have decent speed. I didn't showcase it as much as I think I could have in college, but it is definitely something that I will be able to go out there and stretch the field, make plays, get yards after the catch if the opportunity arrives. First you have to catch the ball in order to get lined up and just go out there and play."
Are they sticking you in different positions?
"I am pretty much just in the one slot right now. But as you guys know, in our offense, depending on the formation you could end up anywhere. You have to know what's going on (at the different positions)."
