New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Conference Call with New Orleans Media
Thursday, September 19, 2019

A lot of names and faces on that Seattle defense has changed. Have they changed much philosophically?
"I would say there's been some tweaks. I think there's a certain front coverage they want to play. They've been an over under a team in the past. I think you're seeing a lot of that. You're seeing a little bit more base defense versus offenses, sub-personnel in these first two weeks. I think there's some wrinkles that are different and then there's some things that have been pretty consistent."

What does Jadaveon Clowney add to that line or that defense in general?
"We all put a high premium on pass rushers and he certainly brings that. He has strength, he has initial get off, he's explosive, and then combine that when you're on the road and it's noisy, you can't hear that. I think this is an exceptional player."

How much does the crowd noise add an added element of difficulty for preparing these two quarterbacks this week? I'm sure that would have been the theme of the week if Drew Brees hadn't gotten hurt last Sunday.
"I think certainly one thing you got to handle. With the young center (Erik McCoy), you have to be able to be at least to some degree neutralize it. But this is one of the louder venues (in the NFL)."

With Bobby Wagner running that linebacker corps there, what makes him such a good player there in your opinion?
"I think he is very good with his ability to key and diagnose (plays). I think generally, when we talk about Mike linebackers we hold in high regard, that's something that's pretty consistent. I think he's a fantastic tackler. I think he has a great understanding of what they're doing and I think he's a great leader."

Is it a little bit different just considering the offense that is run by most teams today to prepare for a team like Seattle with just the volume of their running game when you add Russell Wilson's element?
"Look, it's been something that I think is important to what they believe. I think in a lot of ways we feel the same way. That element in this game will be important, how each team runs the football with what type of efficiency does either team run the football. Then you can add Russell Wilson to that and it becomes a little bit more challenging."