Rob Ryan’s Impassioned Half Time Speech
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan reacts on the sideline during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the Saints 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports – Rob Ryan’s Impassioned Half Time Speech
We know its a myth exploited by Hollywood but sometimes, yes, sometimes there are half time speeches that turn the tide. Rob Ryan delivered just such a speech one to his defense during the Tamp Bay Buccaneers game. Rob Ryan’s impassioned half time speech took place as he gathered his defense in the locker room. He let loose on his players.
He was unhappy with the Saints’ body language and their attitude. And he certainly didn’t like how they seemed content to lose their season finale and ride off into the sunset as a 6-10 team.
“Act like you want to be here,” Ryan yelled.
According to outside linebacker Junior Galette, it made a difference. “Rob came in and chewed us out,” Galette said. “It’s like ‘Hey, this guy really cares.’ You know he cares. You know how passionate it is. And we started playing as a team and just played with our technique, we were gap-sound and they couldn’t do anything.”
The ensuing half of defensive football was genuinely great. They forced a punt. Keenan Lewis picked off the Buccaneer’s quarterback Josh McCown. Then, Cam Jordan sacked McCown at Tampa Bay’s 12-yard line. Galette added another sack of McCown for a safety.
“We ended up with pressure, we ended up with a sack, and obviously the safety. That was a big. It was good to see,” Payton said.
For Keenan Lewis, the damage of the season had long been done. “It’s tough, but no,” he said when asked if the positive ending meant much. “The season’s over at this point. They still ran for almost 200 yards. … We finished and the offseason we’ve got to sit down and watch every game … see where it needs to be fixed. We’ll get it together.”
Saints players, who have passionately defended Ryan all season long, said they would be surprised to see him let go.
“I’d be shocked,” Galette said. Galette said the message this week was to finish strong. Everything else is out of the players’ control. “Unfortunately we’re not in the playoffs, but we finished strong and we can’t leave with another bad taste in our mouths, Galette said.