Parcells' disciple Payton is giving the Saints new hope in the NFL
By CHAREAN WILLIAMS
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
JACKSON, Miss. -- Sean Payton smiles when asked if he has ever had a nickname. It seems the combination of caffeine, an effusive personality and Payton's hairstyle led his mentor, Bill Parcells, to tab Payton "Dennis the Menace."
"Energetic, bright, enthusiastic, high energy," Parcells said of Payton last week. "That's the best way to put it."
It's just what the Saints need as they try to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
In their 39 seasons, the Saints have had seven winning seasons and one playoff victory. But for the first time in a long time, the fans in New Orleans are excited.
The Saints guaranteed a sellout for the home opener Sept. 25, their first in the Superdome in 21 months, after signing quarterback Drew Brees, a Pro Bowl selection in 2004, and drafting running back Reggie Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.
The Saints' resurrection, though, began with the unheralded hiring of Payton, who was the Cowboys' assistant head coach the past three seasons.
"Sean was the first step in this whole process, getting the right kind of head coach," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "He has the qualities...in terms of leadership and those intangible characteristics that we need in a really unsettled, difficult time in our city and with our team. We needed that type of stability and that kind of leadership in the head coach."
When Loomis began his search for a replacement for Jim Haslett, Payton wasn't on Loomis' "radar screen."
Then, Loomis watched Payton's interview tape, which was among the 30 tapes of assistant coaches the NFL office sent Loomis. That got Payton an interview. Carolina Panthers coach John Fox helped Payton get hired.
Fox, whom Loomis said he doesn't know personally, called to recommend Payton. Fox and Payton had worked together as coordinators with the Giants.
"Great coaches have it," Fox told Loomis. "I don't know what it is, but Sean's got it."
Payton is only 42 years old. He was an NFL assistant for nine seasons, including four as a coordinator. But Parcells trusted Payton enough to let him call plays last season, a duty Parcells hadn't relinquished since 1993.
"I never put an age on [becoming a head coach]," Payton said. "I've always tried to just take the approach where I'm going to work hard and do a good job where I am. Those things usually take care of themselves."
Although it's Payton's team, Parcells' fingerprints are all over the Saints.
Payton moved training camp from their home facility in Metairie, La., to Millsaps College, 180 miles away in Jackson, Miss. He took the Saints' fleur-de-lis off rookies' helmets. He used Parcells' conditioning test.
Weightlifting, practices, almost everything is done the Parcells Way.
"When you're around someone like that for three years, it's an on-the-job, day-to-day learning experience," Payton said. "There are things that come up daily that you can't help but take notice of. Those are the benefits of working under someone like that rather than just go hear him speak at a clinic."
In tonight's nationally televised exhibition game, Payton will be more worried about seeing improvement in his starting left tackle and his defense's ability to stop the run than he will be in beating Parcells.
Jammal Brown, a former first-round pick, has switched from right tackle to the left side, where he will be asked to protect Brees' surgically repaired right shoulder. And the Saints, who ranked 27th against the run last season, could have three new starters -- including former Cowboy Scott Fujita -- at linebacker in their 4-3 scheme.
The Saints, though, say it was time for a change.
"From Day One, he let us know, 'This is how it's going to be,'" Saints returner Michael Lewis said. "'Whatever happened in the past is in the past. We're starting off from scratch right now. This is how I want it; this is how it's going to be. Either you live with it, or you roll out of here.' That's the type of coach you look forward to playing for."
Payton drew the ire of Parcells when he signed Cowboys free safety Keith Davis, a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet this off-season. Dallas matched the two-year, $3.1 million deal, paying more than it wanted to keep Davis. Payton has since made peace with his mentor but has given Parcells another reason to call him "Dennis the Menace."
"He would say, 'High-strung, high-maintenance. Dennis the Menace,'" Payton said. "I think I had a haircut one day where it was sticking up in the back, too. Dennis...that was it."
Staff writer Mac Engel contributed to this report.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
Drew Bledsoe
Backup Tony Romo got the attention in camp and in the first preseason game. He will continue to be the focus tonight -- in the second half. Drew Bledsoe is the Cowboys' starting quarterback, and he'll make his preseason debut against the Saints, albeit without receiver Terrell Owens.
Sam Hurd and Co.
Depth behind starters Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens is a concern. With Owens out and Patrick Crayton injured, the spotlight is on camp phenom Sam Hurd. If he and others can't step up, the Cowboys will seek help via trade. Keep an eye on Jamaica Rector and Skyler Green.
Right tackle
Finding a right tackle remains the biggest task for the offensive line. Jason Fabini will get the start against the Saints and play the first half, with Marc Colombo playing the second half. Both need to perform better. Rob Petitti, last year's starter, appears to be the odd man out.
Marcus Spears
After missing three weeks with a knee injury, he will see his first game action tonight. Forget the talk of Spears' starting job being up for grabs; he has the talent to be one of the league's best defensive ends. He and linebacker Greg Ellis will be a tough matchup on the defense's left side.
The Praying Mantis
The Cowboys say they have never seen anything like 6-foot-5 rookie free safety Pat Watkins, who is loaded with potential. Keith Davis remains the starter, but Watkins, who can be a true center fielder in the secondary, will be given every chance to start.
-- Clarence E. Hill Jr.
IN THE KNOW
New start
Ten teams, including the Saints, changed coaches during the off-season. A look at the new coaches and the outlook for this season:
Team Coach Team's record last year
Buffalo Bills Dick Jauron 5-11 An unsettled QB situation will make for a long year.
New York Jets Eric Mangini 4-12 Becomes the Jets' seventh coach in 15 years.
Houston Texans Gary Kubiak 2-14 Has lots of young talent, including WR Andre Johnson and DE Mario Williams.
Kansas City Chiefs Herman Edwards 10-6 Bolted a bad situation with the Jets for a chance to win right away in Kansas City.
Oakland Raiders Art Shell 4-12 Al Davis went back to the past in trying to revive a franchise that has 13 total wins the past three years.
Detroit Lions Rod Marinelli 5-11 The Lions have one playoff victory in the Super Bowl era.
Green Bay Packers Mike McCarthy 4-12 Brett Favre might wish he had retired.
Minnesota Vikings Brad Childress 9-7 No Daunte Culpepper. No Randy Moss.
New Orleans Saints Sean Payton 3-13 The Saints are rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.
St. Louis Rams Scott Linehan 6-10 Rams facing drastic change in philosophy in post-Mike Martz era.
GAMEDAY
Cowboys vs. Saints
When: 7 tonight
Where: Independence
Stadium, Shreveport
TV: ESPN, KTVT/Channel 11
Radio: KTCK/1310 AM, KDBN/93.3 FM, KFLC/1270 AM, KFZO/99.1 FM (Spanish)
Notable: The Cowboys broke camp Sunday.... Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who didn't play in the first preseason game, is expected to start tonight against the Saints....Dallas leads the regular-season series 14-7, and the teams have split the preseason series 3-3...Rosters must be cut to 75 players by Aug. 29 and to 53 players by Sept. 2.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
JACKSON, Miss. -- Sean Payton smiles when asked if he has ever had a nickname. It seems the combination of caffeine, an effusive personality and Payton's hairstyle led his mentor, Bill Parcells, to tab Payton "Dennis the Menace."
"Energetic, bright, enthusiastic, high energy," Parcells said of Payton last week. "That's the best way to put it."
It's just what the Saints need as they try to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
In their 39 seasons, the Saints have had seven winning seasons and one playoff victory. But for the first time in a long time, the fans in New Orleans are excited.
The Saints guaranteed a sellout for the home opener Sept. 25, their first in the Superdome in 21 months, after signing quarterback Drew Brees, a Pro Bowl selection in 2004, and drafting running back Reggie Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.
The Saints' resurrection, though, began with the unheralded hiring of Payton, who was the Cowboys' assistant head coach the past three seasons.
"Sean was the first step in this whole process, getting the right kind of head coach," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "He has the qualities...in terms of leadership and those intangible characteristics that we need in a really unsettled, difficult time in our city and with our team. We needed that type of stability and that kind of leadership in the head coach."
When Loomis began his search for a replacement for Jim Haslett, Payton wasn't on Loomis' "radar screen."
Then, Loomis watched Payton's interview tape, which was among the 30 tapes of assistant coaches the NFL office sent Loomis. That got Payton an interview. Carolina Panthers coach John Fox helped Payton get hired.
Fox, whom Loomis said he doesn't know personally, called to recommend Payton. Fox and Payton had worked together as coordinators with the Giants.
"Great coaches have it," Fox told Loomis. "I don't know what it is, but Sean's got it."
Payton is only 42 years old. He was an NFL assistant for nine seasons, including four as a coordinator. But Parcells trusted Payton enough to let him call plays last season, a duty Parcells hadn't relinquished since 1993.
"I never put an age on [becoming a head coach]," Payton said. "I've always tried to just take the approach where I'm going to work hard and do a good job where I am. Those things usually take care of themselves."
Although it's Payton's team, Parcells' fingerprints are all over the Saints.
Payton moved training camp from their home facility in Metairie, La., to Millsaps College, 180 miles away in Jackson, Miss. He took the Saints' fleur-de-lis off rookies' helmets. He used Parcells' conditioning test.
Weightlifting, practices, almost everything is done the Parcells Way.
"When you're around someone like that for three years, it's an on-the-job, day-to-day learning experience," Payton said. "There are things that come up daily that you can't help but take notice of. Those are the benefits of working under someone like that rather than just go hear him speak at a clinic."
In tonight's nationally televised exhibition game, Payton will be more worried about seeing improvement in his starting left tackle and his defense's ability to stop the run than he will be in beating Parcells.
Jammal Brown, a former first-round pick, has switched from right tackle to the left side, where he will be asked to protect Brees' surgically repaired right shoulder. And the Saints, who ranked 27th against the run last season, could have three new starters -- including former Cowboy Scott Fujita -- at linebacker in their 4-3 scheme.
The Saints, though, say it was time for a change.
"From Day One, he let us know, 'This is how it's going to be,'" Saints returner Michael Lewis said. "'Whatever happened in the past is in the past. We're starting off from scratch right now. This is how I want it; this is how it's going to be. Either you live with it, or you roll out of here.' That's the type of coach you look forward to playing for."
Payton drew the ire of Parcells when he signed Cowboys free safety Keith Davis, a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet this off-season. Dallas matched the two-year, $3.1 million deal, paying more than it wanted to keep Davis. Payton has since made peace with his mentor but has given Parcells another reason to call him "Dennis the Menace."
"He would say, 'High-strung, high-maintenance. Dennis the Menace,'" Payton said. "I think I had a haircut one day where it was sticking up in the back, too. Dennis...that was it."
Staff writer Mac Engel contributed to this report.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
Drew Bledsoe
Backup Tony Romo got the attention in camp and in the first preseason game. He will continue to be the focus tonight -- in the second half. Drew Bledsoe is the Cowboys' starting quarterback, and he'll make his preseason debut against the Saints, albeit without receiver Terrell Owens.
Sam Hurd and Co.
Depth behind starters Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens is a concern. With Owens out and Patrick Crayton injured, the spotlight is on camp phenom Sam Hurd. If he and others can't step up, the Cowboys will seek help via trade. Keep an eye on Jamaica Rector and Skyler Green.
Right tackle
Finding a right tackle remains the biggest task for the offensive line. Jason Fabini will get the start against the Saints and play the first half, with Marc Colombo playing the second half. Both need to perform better. Rob Petitti, last year's starter, appears to be the odd man out.
Marcus Spears
After missing three weeks with a knee injury, he will see his first game action tonight. Forget the talk of Spears' starting job being up for grabs; he has the talent to be one of the league's best defensive ends. He and linebacker Greg Ellis will be a tough matchup on the defense's left side.
The Praying Mantis
The Cowboys say they have never seen anything like 6-foot-5 rookie free safety Pat Watkins, who is loaded with potential. Keith Davis remains the starter, but Watkins, who can be a true center fielder in the secondary, will be given every chance to start.
-- Clarence E. Hill Jr.
IN THE KNOW
New start
Ten teams, including the Saints, changed coaches during the off-season. A look at the new coaches and the outlook for this season:
Team Coach Team's record last year
Buffalo Bills Dick Jauron 5-11 An unsettled QB situation will make for a long year.
New York Jets Eric Mangini 4-12 Becomes the Jets' seventh coach in 15 years.
Houston Texans Gary Kubiak 2-14 Has lots of young talent, including WR Andre Johnson and DE Mario Williams.
Kansas City Chiefs Herman Edwards 10-6 Bolted a bad situation with the Jets for a chance to win right away in Kansas City.
Oakland Raiders Art Shell 4-12 Al Davis went back to the past in trying to revive a franchise that has 13 total wins the past three years.
Detroit Lions Rod Marinelli 5-11 The Lions have one playoff victory in the Super Bowl era.
Green Bay Packers Mike McCarthy 4-12 Brett Favre might wish he had retired.
Minnesota Vikings Brad Childress 9-7 No Daunte Culpepper. No Randy Moss.
New Orleans Saints Sean Payton 3-13 The Saints are rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.
St. Louis Rams Scott Linehan 6-10 Rams facing drastic change in philosophy in post-Mike Martz era.
GAMEDAY
Cowboys vs. Saints
When: 7 tonight
Where: Independence
Stadium, Shreveport
TV: ESPN, KTVT/Channel 11
Radio: KTCK/1310 AM, KDBN/93.3 FM, KFLC/1270 AM, KFZO/99.1 FM (Spanish)
Notable: The Cowboys broke camp Sunday.... Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who didn't play in the first preseason game, is expected to start tonight against the Saints....Dallas leads the regular-season series 14-7, and the teams have split the preseason series 3-3...Rosters must be cut to 75 players by Aug. 29 and to 53 players by Sept. 2.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:07 PM
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