Sean Payton did not need to defer to the tape after Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers.
The Saints coach knew right away that the secondary struggled more with technique and execution than coverage breaks, and the team did not generate much, if any, pass rush during the 48-40 loss. A review of the film only confirmed his immediate suspicions.
“Our pass-rush plan hurt us at times,” Payton said. “There were some pivotal moments where the quarterback was able to flush and do enough damage to earn a third-down or gain a first down. We struggled in coverage. Our technique wasn’t great.”
Only one of the big plays looks like an obvious coverage bust. Immediately after the play happened, many pointed at either cornerback Patrick Robinson or safety Vonn Bell for blowing the coverage that resulted in DeSean Jackson running free for a 58-yard touchdown on Tampa Bay’s opening drive. But it does not look like either of those players are the culprit.
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