Quotes: Sean Payton, Dennis Allen, Drew Brees meet with media (Aug. 29)

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton

2017 Training Camp Presented By Verizon

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Opening Statement

“We acquired LS Jon Dorenbos in a trade with Philadelphia. TE John Phillips went to reserve/injured and we terminated the contract of DE Jason Jones. So we are actually one under our count at 90 right now.”

Do you feel this solves the long snapping situation?

“Yes. You are paying attention to the teams with two. It is not just the teams with two it is the teams with two that are in a competition. There is a sense of urgency when a couple of other teams, Chicago for instance lost a long snapper. This was something we have discussed for a little bit and kind of came to fruition yesterday.”

Will you have him ready to go for the game on Thursday?

“Yes.”

What were the qualities you saw in him that you liked?

“His consistency. He is a veteran player. There is a presence about him. He has done it over a long period of time. He went through an injury a year ago, but he is healthy now. I think his experience will be important. Especially for a young kicker. It is a little bit more subjective when you are especially able to look at time, location of his snaps for punt, for field goal, it may be a little easier to evaluate then others that are not as clean. For us it was really paying attention to the numbers and his experience all factored in.”

Did you give those bubble guys more work in practice in order to give them more opportunities in this last preseason game?

“Yeah, absolutely. It is the number one thing we are thinking about each night. It is not much scheme, but it is making the right decisions. And making sure you are getting enough of these opportunities to evaluate them and hopefully those can become more clear when it comes to the final countdown.”

When you are looking at some of the guys that you would like to contribute on special teams, is it easier to evaluate those guys?

“I think so. I (am) waiting for a player to make it in the kicking game. Every year I have been in this league, I’ve seen a guy return a punt or just really jump out at you. So we’re looking for that. So when you see it, the more opportunities they have the more chances are you get to make the right decision.”

How do you think Bryan Braman looked his first game?

“Good. Really good.”

What are your impressions of Arthur Maulet so far?

“He missed some time early on. But fairly positive. I like his stature and build. He’s learning a lot. I think his natural position’s inside as a nickel. He’ll receive a lot of work this Thursday night.”

Can you talk about John Fullington and his versatility?

“He is one of those players that has missed some time. He can play guard and get you out of a pinch at tackle. He is smart, so he will receive a lot of work.”

What do you think of Mathew Stafford’s pay scale?

“It is not surprising. There is a premium at that position. It will be a year or two and someone else will break that benchmark. It is good to be Tom Condon.”

Can you shed any light of personnel usage in the game?

“We have not had our meeting yet. We are trying to get a number of players work that you are still trying to complete an evaluation on. With that being said, there’ll be a few guys like (Ryan) Ramczk or (Coby) Fleener that still need some work. There will be a handful of guys that fall into that category. Max (Unger) will receive some work. Manti Te’o will receive some work. There’ll be some young players. We have a couple of young safeties. Vonn Bell’s considered in that. It will be players specific on who we think needs more game action. And I’m sure there will be a couple players who won’t see any.”

Is it a tough week for you to cut so many players, who might be able to play in the National Football League?

“Yes, it is. The positive is that we are working with heavier roster than prior years. The problem is that Friday and Saturday you are releasing 15 more than you normally would at that point at 75 (in previous years). There is a lot invested out here with these guys. Every one of them has been through the offseason program for the most part, every one of them has been lifting, running and every one of them has been at all the practices and so there is that sense of urgency, obviously on their part. I would say that pressure on our part to get it right, to get the right 53 and then to get the right practice squad. That is what keeps you up at night.”

Would you ever keep a guy just on special teams?

“No, we have done that. Courtney Roby was an exceptional special teams player and he went to the wide receiver meeting room and played some receiver. But we absolutely have.”

Are you just evaluating Michael Mauti on special teams?

“He factors in at two spots, Linebacker and the kicking game. It’s a little bit harder for us to get (Bryan) Braman snaps at the linebacker spot right away, being that he’s just been here for a week. That being said, you want to know what’s the other role. Braman’s been a guy to rush the passer in his career. A couple of these guys are DB’s, couple of these guys are receivers. (Jake) Lampman is a guy that a year ago he made and we actually activated him in some games. He would’ve been a fifth receiver in the game, but nonetheless those are valuable snaps. At the end of the game, if you can look down and see that this player has played 18 plays, that is significant.”

How has Michael Mauti looked?

“He has looked good. I think coming back off what he went thru in the offseason has been challenging. This week of practice has been good, so we will see how the game goes.”

Is there any one positon group that you guys are looking at and having a hard time deciding who is getting cut?

“We are deep at safety and we are deep at running back. We have some tough decisions to make on the defensive line. Those come to my head right away.”

Where do you see (Delvin) Breaux on the active roster?

“I think his will be fairly easy. There’s a reserved/injured designation we can use. That means he has to be on the active for a day and then go to that. With the timeline of his injury, it fits that tag. Terron (Armstead) and some of the other guys we will look at more closely.”

How to you value the runs from Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson during the preseason?

“I think there are some things when we watched it that we could’ve blocked better. It was limited exposure so you are wanting to see closely, why’d we gain three yards instead of five yards, why’d we lose a yard on screen. Those are all things we look at. We are receiving a ton of work out here and I think we have a pretty good idea of where we’re at with these two players.”

You are planning on putting Delvin Breaux on the Injured Reserve?

“Yes. We have not done any of that yet. He fits that, with the timeline of his injury it fits perfectly. But he’s different than say, Terron (Armstead) who might be ready earlier than that six-week window. I think Delvin’s situation is a little cleaner in regards with a timeline.”

Don’t you have PUP (Physically Unable to Play) availability for Terron?

“Yeah, we would use that. We wouldn’t use the injury designation. We would just leave him on PUP without having to protect him on a roster spot.”

Are those the only two guys?

“Those would be the only two guys that Mickey (Loomis) and I have talked about.”

New Orleans Saints RB Adrian Peterson

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

How does it feel only getting six carries so far?

“Well in previous years I didn’t get any. They went well. It was good work.”

How’s the family doing?

“We’ve been living in Houston for 10 years. It’s just really devastating to see what Hurricane Harvey and the type of damage it’s causing to the city of Houston and the surrounding areas. Some of the family is affected by it. My mom is on the north side and right across the street it’s flooding and it is getting pretty high but no damage has come. I’d just urge everyone that can help, every little bit matters. Everyone that’s out risking their life to rescue people. We’re sending all of our prayers and wishing the best. I hope that things slow up and the rain slows up and this thing washes away, so we can start the recovery process.”

What about your gym that you own there?

“Yes I talked to the manager the other day and things were pretty good there. We have been in talks with trying to help out in some type of way. I don’t know if we can maybe open the gym up and bring people in. We are in the works right now to see if we’ll be able to help. It might be post-hurricane but we are in the midst of seeing what we can do to help.”

Is it hard to make those decisions because it’s still going on?

“Yes, it is. A lot of people are trapped right now and there are a lot of rescues needed. It’s very unfortunate. It’s been tough for me, just being here and having family there. We’re just concerned and praying. That’s what we’ve been doing here, just praying.”

How many close family members or extended family members do you have that live in the Houston area?

“It’s about a dozen, maybe a little more. I have been getting different reports from different members. That is why I just urge people to help, if you can and if it is safe. Just continue to pray.”

Everyone in your family got out before the storm that you know of?

“Well about half of them decided to stay in Houston. It was some unfortunate situations, being trapped. My mom actually came down and was here for the game. They headed back to east Texas and I think they are getting a little rain there too. But that’s away from Houston. But yes, it’s real.”

About football, you’ve made it all the way through camp now, walk through tomorrow and you probably won’t play on Thursday, so can you give your assessment on how you’ve been fitting into the scheme?

“Definitely looking forward to getting the season started. I feel like I’m fitting into the system well. I’m digesting the playbook and what they’re asking me to do but I’m pretty good with that now. Things are crisp and crystal clear to me and those are all good signs, especially when you’re a week and a half away from the season opener. I am feeling confident with what we have as a team, especially as an offense. We have a great running back lineup. There are going to be a lot of guys that are going to be able to contribute to what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Is the eagerness a little different knowing that you’re finally about to start for real doing things that you maybe haven’t done before or slightly different in terms of schemes and alignments, looks, stuff like that?

“Yes. When you get to that first week, you know exactly who you’re going up against. It’s just a little harder that first week because defense doesn’t show as much in the preseason so you have to rely on what they did the year before. However, as the season progresses of course you’ll have a lot of film and footage to watch. The offense, I’m sure won’t be as open as it is now. It will be a smaller play sheet for us, which the play sheet I’ve been seeing is something I have never seen before. But it’s going to be exciting to go through it and to see how a work week is here in New Orleans after being in Minnesota for 10 years.”

Your thoughts on getting work with Mark (Ingram) and getting a rhythm together? What are your thoughts on being the second one in and coming on and off the field at times? Is that going to be tough for you to adjust to?

“It’s something that I am not used to. But coming here it was something I was expecting. But actually going through it, it is like okay, this is different. When I sit back and I look at Mark (Ingram) and what he is able to do. I look at Alvin Kamara, (Daniel) Lasco, (Travaris) Cadet. It is like today, I was sitting back and I think we were in the red zone and we went Pony. We had AK go in and Cadet. I was sitting there thinking what’s this defense going to do. You have two guys that are excellent route runners with great hands. For me, it’s’ never about being selfish. It’s about being in a position to score and winning a game. I’m sure I’ll have my opportunities to get in there as well. But when you have that many playmakers you have to put them in the game.”

Even something like being the number two guy in the stretch line at times, how strange is that?

“Of course it’s strange. But anything you want, you work for. I’m not the type of guy, no matter my status, to come in and say hey, I’m that first guy now. Mark has been here for a long time. I’m okay with that. I’ve been the guy for 10 years. I’m comfortable and confident with my ability and what I’m able to do. I do not let things like that bother me. To me, it is what it is. I still have a job to do and I’m going to do that.”

You also like any professional athlete have a mindset that you will compete to see more snaps?

“Of course, I’m thinking week one. That’s my mindset. I’m sure that’s Mark’s mindset and AK’s. It better be or you’re cheating yourself. When you want to be great you have to expect great things for yourself.”

Running backs talk a lot about the more touches, the more volume, the better rhythm you can get into, is that something you’re going to have to learn how to do it in a shorter time frame?

“I don’t know. Once we start the season then I’ll get a better feel. You have a guy in there that’s being productive and really moving the chains, I’m sure you’re going to want to stick with that guy, and I’m okay with that. If it’s AK and Mark and they’re moving the chains and getting down there, hey let that guy roll, he’s going. But it’s a different experience for me. I haven’t done anything like that in 10 years. I’d be lying to you if I sit here and say I’m sitting on the sidelines like man, I wish I had that run or I wish I had that route. But it’s not said in a selfish way or having any type of animosity towards these guys because that’s just not how I am as an individual. I’m all about winning.”

How did you evaluate your runs the other day watching the video?

“I wasn’t pleased with two runs for sure. I think one was a draw. It’s funny because when I got up and (Drew) Brees was like you have to slow down on that one. In my mind I thought I was slow but once I watched it I saw that I was going fast. If I was just a second slower, it would have bounced to the right side, I’ve made that cut several times. It was a 32 duo that I had that I pressed it was a little penetration but not too much from the right tackle or it could have been a tight end. I pressed it too deep and didn’t think to take the chance to take it out but the outside (tackle)was there. Outside of that their defense was pretty good so they made some good plays as well. Overall, it was some good film to watch.”

Are you more eager for this opener than you would be for any other opener?

“Yes, going back to Minnesota where I spent 10 seasons. Seeing those guys and being in that stadium again for me, personally, it doesn’t get any better than that. To go down there and get the chance to come out with a W.”

You mentioned Travaris Cadet, he’s one of those guys number wise that you may see on the bubble. Are you able to give him advice although you’ve never been in that position and how tough it is?

“Honestly, I think he’s been in the system so long, to me, and been around here for the time I’ve been (here). I feel like he’s a guy we need. Cadet is a guy that knows the system in and out. He’s a heck of a player. You talk about a guy that’s making sacrifices, that’s why it’s easier for me. Cadet is a running back, he wants to run the ball as well and sometimes they don’t get the opportunity. Those guys they want to run the ball and its basically their job and they do it well. For me, I haven’t gotten a sense that he’s on the bubble. I have a sense that he’s the guy that does not have anything to worry about.”

Thoughts on Ty Montgomery and working with him during the summer, what impressions did you get?

“A dedicated worker. He picked my brain and asked several questions just trying to get information on how I take care of my body and who I use, recovery as well. But the thing that stuck out to me the most was his work ethic. He came out and he competed and he didn’t back down. I didn’t see him taking breaks or taking shortcuts. He grinds. I see why he was able to come in for Green Bay from the wide receiver position and have the type of season that he had so I expect good things from him. They are good at the running back position at Green Bay.”

How did you two get connected?

“Melvin Gordon ended up talking to him. Or course Melvin works out with me as well so I was like yes, come on down you are trying to come down and work out, I’m all for it. It was fun to have those guys around and see those youngsters. Let those youngers guys know that I’m still here. To be pushed and push those guys, that’s what it’s all about.”

New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

After looking at the tape did you see some plays that could have been better?

“A couple here and there. It’s always interesting how it changes the complexion of maybe your opinion of the game and I think we walked away from it thinking there was a lot more to be had out there and we missed some opportunities. That first drive I felt like we should have been down on the 25-yard line, unfortunately they brought us back to where we were midfield and we did not convert that first third down. We felt like we should have put points on the board there. We got points on the second drive and I think we had a big play opportunity on the third drive that we just ended up not calling (and) that was really on me I should have went to something different that would have been a big play opportunity. There’ s really two plays right there that should have resulted in three scoring drives on the first two drives, which we would have felt good about that, but instead we walked away with one scoring drive within the first three which I didn’t feel was good enough.”

What was your assessment of Adrian Peterson’s play?

“I talked to him after we both came out and he said man it’s good to back in there and get those live reps, it’s been a while for him since early last year and it feels good (for him) just get those first hits and run into some people. I think for him it was good.”

What did you tell Adrian Peterson after the draw play?

“I just said be patient. For me I get a different view point at times compared to the ball carrier or the guy running the route or what have you, so I’m just assessing what’s happening and the timing of it and just how things should be setup and how they should look. I’m always there to try and give little bits and pieces to guys, hey be more patient on this or hey slow down a little bit, hey get a little wider on this or here’s what I’m seeing. It’s just constant communication.”

Do you think you guys are ready to break through this year?

“Yeah I do. I hope so. We have to start fast. I know this, you focus on the process and the results take care of itself. I feel like this has been one of the better offseasons and training camps we’ve had, just in regards to the work we’ve done and the recovery that has taken place. I don’t feel like guys are worn down. I feel like we had a good amount of time for teaching and then repetition and then recovery. Which I always think it’s a challenge to find that balance. We’ve done a good job of finding that out.”

Do you think the team has better players?

“Yeah I do and I think we are playing with more confidence right now.”

Having gone through the rebuilding of Katrina after coming here as a free agent what’s it like seeing the devastation in Houston?

“It’s terrible, again it’s knowing what we went through here and you’ve seen bits and pieces on tv and you hear about it and you have no idea what it’s like until your right there in the middle of it. Man it looks awful, complete devastation in so many areas. You just feel helpless because there is literally nothing you can do to stop it. So many people evacuate and you just sit back and wonder what kind of destruction there is going to be when you come back and then the whole rebuilding process for so many people.”

How was the new turf in the Superdome this year?

“We get new turf every year and it starts off soft and then over time it begins to settle in once those rubber pellets get rolled enough times that it begins to harden a little bit.”

How do you view the first few games of this season, can you make a statement or is it frustration with the schedulers?

“Never frustration because you can only worry about the things you control right, so we sign AP (Adrian Peterson) and we get Monday Night Football to open the season in Minnesota, there you go that’s the way it works. Hopefully he goes off has a big night, (and) we all have a big night and we win the game and come back and worry about the next one.”

Is there a risk in being too pumped up to play against your former team?

“Knowing AP (Adrian Peterson) I think his motor and his mindset is always one way and that’s full go, straight ahead like a freight train. Again, I know he’ll be ready to play and hope he has a big night and we all have a big night and come away with a big win.”

Do you expect him (Adrian Peterson) to get a touchdown?

“Everybody will be ready for their opportunities and listen everyone’s going to have to contribute. We are all going to have to play very well to beat that team.”

How do you see Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson getting along?

“I think those are both prideful guys and I also think they are both real professionals and I think they both really want to win. Are there going to be the moments where they are both chomping at the bit and yet only one guy can get the carries on that given play? Yeah I’m sure, but I think it will also bring out the best in them when their opportunities come.”

What did you think of the running game Saturday?

“I think we’d all look at it and say there were opportunities to get more and to be better, but listen you have to give them credit too. They are (Houston) a good run stopping front, big strong, two-gap type guys, so we knew that when you play a team like that you’re going to have to be happy with the two, three, four-yard gains. Knowing that maybe you pop one at some point. We run the reverse on the first play and get a huge play. We work on other mechanisms to create some big play opportunities, but listen you are going to face those teams throughout the season where they’re going to stop the run. That’s what they hang their hat on and so you just have to have the mindset to get the two-yards, three-yards, four-yards knowing that third and short is much better than third and long.”

What was your reaction to Matthew Stafford’s contract?

“I just saw it before I went to bed. The guy’s played great. Last year was as impressive a run as a quarterbacks had, in regards to finding ways to win games and that whole team won a ton of games at the end of the year and got themselves in the playoffs after being pretty banged up along the way and so he was the next guy up and he got a huge contract.”

Have you thought about how this affects your contract talks and don’t you have the same agent, could this affect your contract situation?

“Not even thinking about it. Yes, we have the same agent. No, I just sent him a text that just said wow. That was it. Every circumstance is different. You guys know my stance on this. We have talked about this the last couple months. I’m focused on football.”

Do you see any similarities between all the NFC South teams?

“I really haven’t paid a whole lot of attention to what’s happening outside of us and who we’ve got coming up honestly, but we know that every team in our division is going to be somebody and they are all contenders.”

Is it any different for you with the new late one cut preseason rule?

“No, we just take it as it comes. I mean you manage practice a little bit differently when you have 90 guys, versus 75 guys, versus 53 and practice squad. We’ll do that accordingly.”