Whew. New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley pushed back on some commentary ESPN analyst Troy Aikman attributed to him during Monday night's broadcast of their lopsided loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Aikman had said that Staley "doesn't have any answers, and I think he knew it when we talked to him I think he knew. He didn't tell us, but the guys that are out, some of their big edge rushers and guys who can play the run and set the edge, they're not on the field."
That wasn't something Staley appreciated, telling reporters Thursday: “I did hear about those comments, and I have no idea what he’s talking about. It was a tough night for us and certainly I'm responsible for calling the defense."
Even if Staley didn't say as much as Aikman
suggested, he has taken pains to not throw his players under the bus for such a poor performance. That doesn't change the fact they were without starters up front like defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, linebacker Kaden Elliss, edge rusher Carl Granderson and his backup Anfernee Jennings, an underrated run stopper. Staley made a point to highlight how well his group defended Falcons running back Bijan Robinson last year, limiting the All-Pro to 103 rushing yards without a touchdown through two games. And without those guys, Atlanta gashed New Orleans for 205 rushing yards and five touchdowns. But Staley refused to use injuries as an excuse.
"It did (bother me). Because they're not true," Staley added.
True or not, the Saints turned in an embarrassing performance against the Falcons. Whether Staley wasn't calling the right plays or his players weren't executing them, it's the kind of outing that could mean they're all not long for New Orleans if it becomes part of a trend. Let's see if they can right the ship on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints DC Brandon Staley pushes back on Troy Aikman's commentary
