The New Orleans Saints are making changes to their coaching staff after a disappointing start to the season, with run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti being relieved of his duties. While coaching decisions are part of the business, Saints guard David Edwards believes the players also need to take responsibility for the offense's struggles.
Speaking with the media on Monday as the Saints returned from their bye week, Edwards expressed disappointment over Paganetti's departure, acknowledging that the players could have done a better job executing the offensive game plan.
"You know, I wish we as players, everybody, did a better job for him. And again, it's just like the hard part of this business is it's performance-based, and we haven't gotten it done to a point," Edwards said.
The Saints' inability to establish a consistent rushing attack has been one of the biggest issues surrounding the offense.
Those struggles ultimately cost Paganetti his job, but Edwards made it clear that the problems extend beyond one person on the coaching staff.
He pointed to execution and communication as two major factors that go into building a successful rushing attack, stressing that the players have to do their part to make the system work.
"There's an execution part, there's a communication part. There's so many things that go into the run game, having a successful run game," Edwards said.
Rather than focusing on the coaching change, Edwards wants his teammates to concentrate on the things that they can control. That means improving their preparation, maintaining a positive approach and making sure they are practicing at the level necessary to produce better results on Sundays.
The Saints are coming out of their bye week with an opportunity to reset and address some of the problems that have plagued them throughout the season.
For Edwards, the time away was beneficial, but the focus now needs to shift toward getting back to work and getting back to winning football games.
The coaching change will not automatically fix New Orleans' rushing attack. The players still have to execute, communicate and create opportunities for the offense to find consistency.
Edwards' comments reflect an understanding that Paganetti's departure does not eliminate the responsibility of those still in the building. If the Saints want to improve their running game, the players will have to show it through their improved performances.
