Payton meets with new Saints linebacker Alexander, discusses 49ers matchup

The New Orleans Saints have turned the page on the big win at Tampa Bay and are focused on San Francisco this Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Head coach Sean Payton had his first meeting with newly acquired linebacker Kwon Alexander, the former LSU standout, Wdnesday morning. He’ll be working on this game plan. Good to really finally meet him because we’ve over the years seen him in Tampa, (and) of course, in San Francisco. It’s good to have him here.”

“I just did,” Payton said. “Really good, brief, good to see him. He’s in the building. He’s doing well.

With time to reflect on what was by far the best defensive performance of the season by the Saints, Sean Payton talked about how his team fulfilled, if not exceeded expectations against Tampa Bay.

“I don’t know that you go into a game like that against an offense like that and feel like it’s going to go that clean for you,” Payton said. “There’s just that much respect for what they do. I was happy we built on the momentum. I was happy we got the early three-and-outs. I thought that was significant into the way the game unfolded, getting a quick lead. It was just one of our better efforts.”

Despite the superb performance, after watching video, there is still improvement to be made.

“There’s a number of things we’ve got to clean up,” Payton said. “Hopefully, we’ve done that already. We’ll practice today. Obviously, our prep now is all on San Francisco.”

The defensive line of Ryan Nielsen continues to improve and continues to get great pressure on the quarterback.

“Ryan’s done a good job, we’ve got a rotation going,” Payton said. “Most of these weeks, we’ve traveled with eight. It’s part of the goal. A lot of it the other night, very quickly, it was a one-dimensional game and that can certainly benefit you as well.”

Will Payton change his approach to the 49ers since they have so many starters out injured?

“I think there’s a system and Kyle’s (Shanahan) done a great job, his staff’s done a great job,” Payton said. “Offensively, they do as good a job as anyone in our league at presenting run and working the mechanics of the run game and getting an edge, a half a step, formation (wise). That’s something that you just notice right away. They get the ball off of that action to their play-makers.”

What concerns Payton about the San Francisco defense?

“They’re very impressive when you watch them,” Payton said. “They’ve had a few injuries, no question and yet when you watch the tape, they’re extremely well coached and one of those teams that you can obviously have that tradition and that way about them. They’re used to winning.”

A year ago, Emmanuel Sanders was tormenting the Saints as the 49ers won 48-46 in New Orleans in a showdown for the top spot in the NFC. Now, Sanders is a member of the Saints, ready to go against his former team.

“He was a pain in the butt in that game,” Payton said. “He’s one of those real smart football guys on the field, he can track the ball down the field. Hopefully, we can find him some of those explosive plays as we move forward but he had a handful of big plays the other night. He’s a big part of what we’re doing.”

Payton reflected on the great productivity of Taysom Hill in the win at Tampa as he accounted for 128 yards rushing, passing and receiving and how the Saints were finally able to get him completely involved and completely effective in the offense.

“We got him a handful of throws, especially early on,” Payton said. “We hit the seam to Jared (Cook) and then, if we can get his body moving the right way, he’s a tough out. I thought we blocked them well up front and his numbers had a lot to do with how we ended up with over 150 yards rushing against a team that’s hard to do (that against). Obviously, it was one of his better games.”

Payton is upbeat about Jameis Winston, who got a little playing time and completed a pass against his former team in Tampa Sunday night.

“You’re seeing everything daily,” Payton said. “He’s done a great job of coming in here, actually provides that daily upbeat attitude, there’s a smile on his face. He loves football, he loves competing. You see him throwing every day. He’s got extremely good arm talent. Man, I’m glad he’s here. There’s something about him. I think he’s a very good leader. He’s been a good addition for us.”