New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, September 12, 2013

Opening Statement: "We had just one transaction just to go through, we waived wide receiver Andy Tanner and signed outside linebacker Jay Richardson, he's number 56.  Today was our Thursday practice which was predominantly third down and sub offense and defense."

How do you feel about the defensive line going into this game?

"I think it looks good. I think the depth in there looks really good."

 Do you think it was lucky that Jay Richardson was still available?

"He was a player, after training camp ended, when he left I can specifically recall saying to him, hey there is a decent chance that you can end up here soon.  Sure enough, it ended up being after week one."

 Was he (Richardson) one of those guys that was tough to let go?

"He played well during camp.  He is versatile.  He obviously has played a lot of positions but he is someone that played a lot of snaps and did a good job in the preseason."

Can you talk a little bit about how Richardson was selling insurance before he got here?

"I am not as familiar with that.  I just know that he was a player that we had a good chance to look at training camp.  He received a lot of work.  He started inside and then outside.  He is very smart so he is someone that is a quick study and knows a lot of positions.  I thought he, in training camp, did a lot of good things and that's why, specifically with my discussions with him when training camp ended, (said there) was a good chance where you end up signing you back.  It happened just quicker than expected."

How is Robert Meachem's progression?

"He's doing well.  The good thing with Robert is, it wasn't like he wasn't involved in training camp or preseason games (anywhere), and it's really just getting him familiar with the terminology here.  He has had two different offenses in San Diego, one last year and one this year.  We are just trying to get him up to speed."