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Sports

Saints new defensive coordinator Ryan bringing back some of what Saints did well from 2009-11

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan talks to reporters after practice at their NFL football training facility in Metairie, La., Thursday, May 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (The Associated Press)

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    New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan greets linebacker Victor Butler as he walks of the field after practice at their NFL football training facility in Metairie, La., Thursday, May 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (The Associated Press)

METAIRIE, La. – Rob Ryan figures his firing in Dallas will help him relate to a Saints defense humbled by a historically bad season.

Ryan, who spoke to reporters on Thursday for the first time since being hired by Saints coach Sean Payton in February, says he got his feelings hurt last season, and so did Saints defensive players, so they're all "looking to do something about it."

The Saints gave up 7,042 yards in 2012, the most ever in a single NFL season, after which Payton replaced defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with Ryan.

Ryan is changing the scheme to a 3-4 and bringing back some blitzes that worked well for the Saints between 2009 and 2011 under then-coordinator Gregg Williams.

Saints players say Ryan's approach is a better match for their strengths.