Sean Payton on benching Charles Brown: I saw enough
By Mike Dyce
The New Orleans Saints lost on Sunday allowing the Carolina Panthers to pull even in the standings. Part of the problem was the atrocious play of their offensive line. Saints quarterback Drew Brees was sacked four times and hit another seven times in the game.
One of the worst offensive linemen was left tackle Charles Brown. His man, Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, sacked Brees twice, forced a fumble and provided pressure that let to an interception. Brown also was called for two penalties, one of which took a Saints touchdown off the board.
Saints head coach Sean Payton benched Brown and had a simple explanation.
“I saw enough,” Payton said, via WWLTV.com. “I saw enough, period. It was enough penalties, pressures, sacks. It was enough. At some point you can’t just keep watching it. Feelings get hurt, it is tough.”
Payton wouldn’t elaborate on Brown’s future, whether he’ll be starting next week or on the bench. Brown declined to comment after the game. Right tackle Zach Strief moved to the other side and said the offensive line unit will support Brown.
“I know this, we’ll rally behind Charles,” Strief said. “You can’t … I personally don’t judge a guy by one game, by a half. Coach Payton does what he thinks is best for this team, and we’re 100 percent behind whatever it is that he chooses.
“Yet at the same time, it’s our responsibility as a group to lift those guys up and to perform when your number’s called.”