New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Post-Practice Media Availability
Friday, September 9, 2016

When it goes back to July and you have been preparing for so long and weeks roll into each other. When you get to the Friday before the regular season opener, did it feel different today? Did you sense the guys know that this if finally what they worked up to the start of the regular season?

"I think this week feels different because 100% of the time's spent on the opponent (in) meetings. There are some schedule things that are a little different when you get in to season.  Then clearly, as the week winds down and preparation is beginning to conclude, there is a sense of polish and being spot on with the assignements. So I think it definitely feels different."

Did you spend anytime studying the offseason or plan anything this week to try and maximize this home field advantage again?

"That's pretty easy, play well. Did we spend time in the offseason to work to win more games, yes. Ian (Tigchelaar) and the rest of the crew at the Dome do a great job with regards to the changes that have been made, but for us it's playing well."

You have specific roles for all your wide receivers but what about the versatility of Willie Snead allows you guys to use him differently in the offense?

"We value guys that understand all the positions and understand the coverages. He (Willie Snead) has some of those traits that give him the versatility that allows us to put him in different spots, so he is smart that way. He does a good job understanding how to fit and handle the zone coverages and man-to-man"

How comfortable are you that you're going to have (Dannell) Ellerbe available Sunday.

"Nothing on injuries, but we will issue you guys a report today."

Do the Raiders move Khalil Mack around a lot or does he set more to one side than the other?

"They move him around a lot. The front and the base change is where he is at (right or left) and then in sub is where they get more flexibility (and) where they want to rush him. We have to prepare to handle him, both to our right and to our left. There are times where he ended up in the center. So I would say they move him around quite a bit."

Senio Kelemete had a full week of practice, how did he look to you?

"Looked good. He is in good shape; he is coming from a training camp. Just getting him up to speed (is important)."

Can you talk about the decision on Garret Grayson to waive him and then re-sign him to the practice squad; is that a negative sign of his progress?

"No, those are some of the challenges in the first couple of weeks. I said the other day that it is pretty common. We were able to re-sign him on the practice squad, and I think that it just gets down to trying to get ready to prepare for your first game and trying to be smart about who you are protecting. It's not always what you want to do and yet for him his development still continues just like it would two days ago."

Did you get a chance to see the all-50th team that came out. Do you have any thoughts about it?

"I have just seen brief parts of it. For the players on that team, congratulations. That's a big honor and I think one of the things that people enjoy about that are the discussion that follows with it and the debates. But I wouldn't be able to tell you every person on it."

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