Sean Payton is suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season, but he is still closely following the New Orleans Saints.
"I have a chance now from afar to reallystudythe game," said Payton in an interview on Tuesday. "Of course, I'm following the Saints real closely with the TV copy and the coaches tape and all those other things. But there are still days where obviously you miss it, because this is what you've done for so long. But really overall, looking from afar, the preseason seems to have gone well. Everyone has really come together."
Payton is coaching his son's sixth grade football team, while still allowing himself time to follow the NFL.
"There's so many avenues now between all the different networks. I really try to stay on top of the news and transactions, especially paying close attention to our team. And I've taken out a few pads and papers, making notes. You obviously get a much different perspective watching games on TV and film than being on the sideline and actually being in them. When youstepaway, you can see things you might not have seen otherwise from sideline.
"The good news has been really watching the leadership of our organization function. One of the things we've always prided ourselves on is eliminating distractions and believing we can handle whatever comes our way. That's what we've been doing, and that's what makes me proud."
