It’s been a not-so-secret subplot of every New Orleans Saints game since about a month ago and today it paid off when defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was abruptly fired, but even by writing that I’m kind of misusing the word “abruptly.” This was coming, only according to head coach Sean Payton, Ryan still had a job.
Sean Payton says Rob Ryan is, at this moment, still his defensive coordinator. "Absolutely."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 16, 2015
That all changed once darkness fell and now it’s official, Rob Ryan has been unceremoniously canned.
Payton confirms Rob Ryan has been fired
https://t.co/YsZrzDRT0b pic.twitter.com/jieMpw52O7— WWL-TV (@WWLTV) November 17, 2015
According to Fox Sports, yesterday’s 47-14 loss to the Washington Redskins was the last straw for Ryan. The Saints head into their bye week as the worst defense in the NFL, giving up 424.7 yards per game.
A few hours later USA Today quoted Payton saying that Ryan was still the Saints’ defensive coordinator.
“I do know this, continuing along the same course we’re on right now is something we’re not going to do,” Payton said. “I’m talking about us as players, as a staff collectively. You’ve got to look closely at what’s winning and what’s keeping you from winning.”
Two sources tell @NFLonFOX that @Saints are firing DC Rob Ryan after latest defensive woes Sunday v @Redskins
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) November 16, 2015
At which point Rob casually looked up at the ceiling, whistled and strolled out of the room. He did not escape.
Payton is planning a meeting with general manager Mickey Loomis to discuss the team’s failings and footballing. Which makes it interesting that the Ryan rumor broke before that meeting even took place. Maybe Loomis has already made his decision?
“Mickey and I will spend some time today and some time tomorrow (together),” Payton said. “And with regards to any potential change, we would let you guys know and you’ll be the first to hear about it. That’s something we haven’t even met on. I’ll just leave it at that.”
But Payton didn’t and now Ryan has been ejected from the building.
New Orleans’ defense has been abysmal all season and has given up 26 or more points six times in 10 games. Their last three games have been their worst, giving up 49, 34 and 47 points.
Rob Ryan is the twin brother of Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan, who at this moment is probably reinforcing his couch for his brother to crash on for the next few months to few decades, depending on how the job market opens up.
Injuries hit contenders hard
If you were curious to see if Peyton Manning’s recent performances were holding the Denver Broncos back, you may get the chance to test that hypothesis. Manning played Sunday before getting pulled in the team’s 29-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with a partially torn plantar fascia in his left foot. Brock Osweiller is expected to start for the Broncos this week.
Peyton Manning battling plantar fasciitis, status for Week 11 in doubt. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/YfEWWDzelA
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 16, 2015
According to ESPN, he had trouble walking on the foot all through practice last week and head coach Gary Kubiak even stated that he probably should have sat him. ESPN is reporting that Manning has been dealing with that injury for weeks, but aggravated it against the Indianapolis Colts last week.
Manning wasn’t the only star on a team heading to the playoffs with a foot injury. New England Patriots wide receiver and Tom Brady stalker Julian Edelman broke a bone in his foot in their maddening 27-26 victory over the New York Giants Sunday. Edelman injured his foot in the first quarter and didn’t come back into the game.
Julian Edelman to have foot surgery but might return this season. #Patriots #NFL pic.twitter.com/OoniKJt7UZ
— SportsWonks (@SportsWonks) November 16, 2015
ESPN is reporting that Edelman will undergo surgery on his foot and will likely not be ready to return until the playoffs, which the Patriots have already pretty much locked up. On the bright side for Edelman, it will free up more time to hide in Brady’s closet and watch try on different Ugg boots.
While it might be a stretch to call the Eagles a “contender,” they’re still technically in the wild card and NFC East race, but all that took a hit, literally, when quarterback Sam Bradford injured his AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder and suffered a concussion in Sunday’s 20-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Sam Bradford to Miss One, Possibly Two, Games https://t.co/9UfI42y7dl pic.twitter.com/qZoSFsbnKI
— Philly Influencer (@PHL_Influencer) November 16, 2015
Bradford has improved in Chip Kelly’s offense over the last few weeks and was having a good game Sunday for the Eagles before going down, completing 19-of-25 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown.
