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Held Over: Disagreed with Payton's calls, but respect him for taking blame

10:22 AM CST on Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Kevin Held / Contributing Writer

Sean Payton said his team got “too cute” at times in the red zone. I assume he’s referring to Reggie Bush’s ill-advised pass into double coverage, resulting in a costly interception in the end zone.

Alex Brandon / Associated Press

Sean Payton argues with a referee about a call during the first half.

Now, some might argue that Payton’s past as an offensive coordinator lead to his crafting a few trick plays like that Bush pass. And that his decision to use that play at that particular time was justifiable. Well, I don’t agree with the decision to throw the ball with the running back. Not at that time.

But Kevin, what about that double-reverse against the Falcons on ‘Monday Night Football’ which lead to a touchdown? Surely you can’t be upset with coaches calling trick plays?

You’re right; and don't call me Shirley. I don’t have a problem with the double-reverse. Or trick plays for that matter. But take this into consideration:

1. The Saints were already beating the Falcons when they ran the reverse in the first quarter. In this case, the Saints were trailing the Ravens.

2. Running a trick play against a defense as aggressive as the Ravens, particularly in the red zone where the running back has limited space to throw the ball, is rarely a smart move.

To Coach Payton’s credit, he stepped forward to take the brunt of the blame for some of the play calling. And while I may disagree with a few of his decisions during the game on Sunday, I at least respect him for getting out in front of the problem, accepting fault for it, and moving on to game plan for the Buccaneers.

That’s the kind of coach I can get behind and support.

Kevin Held is a contributing writer for WWLTV.com and is co-host of "Eye on Fantasy Football," airing Fridays on iNews.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
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