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Saints' Rob Ryan 'ready to get weird' with defensive schemes

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says he is "always ready to get weird" with his strategies. Ryan, who improved the Saints defense from last in the league in 2012 to fourth in 2013 in yards allowed, has placed an emphasis on finding the best players, regardless of positions.
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New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says he is "always ready to get weird" with his strategies, TheWall Street Journal's Kevin Clark reports.

Ryan, who improved the Saints' defense from last in the league in 2012 to fourth in 2013 in yards allowed, has placed an emphasis on finding the best players, regardless of position.

The Saints have placed particular emphasis on safeties, with the team signing Jairus Byrd, re-signing Rafael Bush and drafting Vinnie Sunseri this offseason.

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

Ryan said the Saints scheme is a response to the surge in high-power offenses in recent years.

"Our three-safety deal is because the game is changing. You have to have more guys who can cover, run, can do all these different things," Ryan said.

More: Saints safety Jairus Byrd placed on PUP list

- Paul Palladino