Rob Ryan is "ready to get weird" with his defense

Whether its foot fetishes or experimental defensive schemes, the Ryan brothers are always ready to get weirdt. This season will be no different, as Saints D-Coordinator Rob Ryan is reportedly devising a new defensive layout that "has the potential to change the way defenses play in the future." 

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The new scheme apparently revolves around a three-safety concept, which the team used frequently last year out of necessity due to injuries in the secondary. This year, the team has a healthy and talented stable of players at the position with Kenny Vacarro and free-agent acquisition Jairus Byrd headlining.

Speaking on the surplus safety situation, Rob had this to say (Quote from NFL.com):

"The three-safety package comes in a lot more than it's ever done in football," Ryan explained. "We have five really talented safeties on the roster and we plan on playing them all because they are really good players."

Always at the forefront of innovative concepts on the field, it is worth asking whether or not Bill Belichick would/could play around with a concept like this should it prove to be successful and useful, as Ryan obviously foresees it being. Say what you want about the Ryan brothers and their antics- they are both brilliant defensive coaches.

The Patriots have a number of safeties vying for roster spots as well. Devin McCourty is the only true fixture, though Duron Harmon has been listed as the starting strong safety on the team's unofficial depth chart, released today. This is not a huge surprise, as Harmon was seen as the likely player in this position ahead of Patrick Chung, Tavon Wilson, and Nate Ebner.

Back in the Spring there has been some speculation that the team may give talented young corner Logan Ryan some snaps at safety, and he has seen a few so far in camp, however it is clear he will spend the majority of his time at his natural position.

The additions of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner have made the Patriots secondary a strong unit, and it will be an intriguing storyline over the course of the season to watch Belichick, a defensive genius himself, use his new pieces in different ways. In regards to Rob Ryan's inventive new concept, I am unsure if the Pats have enough talent/depth at safety to make it a strong point of emphasis as Ryan plans on doing.

@LC_NEP
@PatriotsLife