NFL New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Looking to Make Changes at Defensive Coordinator

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By @MichaelTerrill

New Orleans Saints

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At 4-7, it is fair to say the 2014 season for the New Orleans Saints is not going as expected. What is even crazier is they are still in line to win the NFC South and clinch a playoff berth with one home game. Even if the Saints reach the playoffs, it still looks like they will make a change at defensive coordinator by replacing Rob Ryan.

New Orleans ranks 23rd in the league in opponent passing yards per game (253.3) and opponent rushing yards per game (123.8). The defense also has surrendered 29 touchdowns (17 passing and 12 rushing).

To make matters worse for Ryan, it is clearly the defense that is keeping the team back this season as the offense has put up solid numbers in the passing and running game. For that reason, head coach Sean Payton has been seen on more than one occasion screaming at Ryan on the sidelines. The frustration between the two men appears to have hit a boiling point, which does not bode well for Ryan’s future in New Orleans.

Even though Ryan is a favorite among the players and other coaches, it does not excuse the fact that the defense has not delivered the way Payton had expected when he hired Ryan to be the defensive coordinator last season. Sure, Ryan was responsible for a much-improved defense in 2013, but a coach is only as good as the latest performance of his players. Since the defense has underperformed in 2014, someone has to go, especially if the Saints fail to reach the postseason in a division that will have a winner with a sub-.500 record.

It is no secret that Payton has struggled with several defensive coordinators over the years. With that said, he is still the head coach who decides who stays and who goes. If Ryan cannot get the defense to play on the same level as the offense, it means a change must be made.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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