Show and Tell: Sean Payton Speakseasy in New Orleans

and a cast of talented receivers, Payton will take his chances with the current stable of running backs.  

Payton: "This is an important part of the year, because this is where a mistake made can set you back, or the right decision can set you forward. So we take it very seriously."

Result: The Saints parted company with defensive coordinator Gibbs in favor of Williams, released McAllister and Mike McKenzie, arguably the best cornerback in team history. Age, salary and injury factored in the decision to part ways with McKenzie who could return at some point down the road.

The Saints also released FB Mike Karney and replaced him with former Patriot Heath Evans—a more nimble version of Karney. Veteran free safety Darren Sharper was added in free agency along with veterans Jabari Greer and Pierson Prioleau to strengthen a battered secondary.

Translation: Payton and GM Loomis were under the gun to make major changes on defense- particularly to the coaching staff and defensive backfield. If Sharper is just a shadow of his former self, he will be a vast upgrade over former safeties Kevin Kaesviharn and Josh Bullocks.

New defensive line coach Bill Johnson excels at teaching the game which will benefit rising stars such as former USC star Sedrick Ellis and DE Bobby McCray. 

Defensive End Bobby McCray: "We had a good scheme this year. I would rather see if we could just give them some new looks, just mix it up a little bit, kind of confuse the offense a little bit, just do some different things at times. Other than that Gary Gibbs did a good job calling plays. We've just got to execute our assignments."

Result: Gibbs fired. Gregg Williams hired.

Translation: Obviously, McCray felt Gibbs' defense was too "Vanilla", too predictable. Williams is known for his exotic looks and formations. He believes in attacking from every conceivable angle.

In OTAs, McCray, a former Florida star, seemed to be benefiting from Williams' unconventional style as he produced what would have been four sacks in live action. Williams transformed another Florida star, Jevon Kearse,  into an all-pro.

Can he do the same for McCray who appears on the verge of beating out veteran Charles Grant?

Alas, it's all coach speak and player speak and as long as it is said with a lot of passion and conviction who cares whether it is true or not.

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