I had the chance to talk with Saints defense end Tanoh Kpassagnon before he enters his second offseason with the Saints. We went over his recovery process, year two compared to year one with the Saints and how it feels to have Tyrann Mathieu as a teammate once again.
How’s your second offseason been so far with the Saints? Like a comparison between OTA’s and minicamp last year?
“Awesome man. Way more comfortable with the defense and guys around me.”
Your first season with the Saints didn’t go as expected, you had a foot injury which sidelined you for the second half of the season, how has your recovery process been? If you don’t mind me asking what exactly was the injury and has Matt Rhea been involved in the recovery process?
“Recovery has been good. Our trainers got me back to full go. It was a journey though, a mix of patience and hard work. Not sure I’m aloud to disclose what the injury was. Matt Rhea and his assistant Matt Clap are mf geniuses.”
“They are for sure going to be a secret weapon for us. Their program is amazing and so specific to each guy it’s almost as if every player has an individual strength coach to themselves. I believe their program is going to be crucial to our success this year.”
Has there been any difference in how Ryan Nielsen works with the defensive linemen now that he’s a co-defensive coordinator?
“No same old Ryan 😂.”
How has the transition from Sean Payton to Dennis Allen at head coach been?
“Pretty smooth all the guys love DA.”
Do you see yourself playing primarily edge rusher this season, or do you think the defensive scheme might have you playing as a defensive tackle or nose tackle a good part of the time?
“I see myself playing an even split. I’ll be on the edge primarily but also be put in as nose/tackle for obvious passing downs.”
With training camp just around the corner, is there a guy who you’re excited to go up against or just compete with?
“Ethan Greenidge, he went to Villanova with me and has been fighting injuries the last couple years but is full go and ready to get after it this year.”
From the few offseason programs this season, has there been a guy who’s stood out as a leader on and off the field?
“Cam Jordan, he is by far the best vet I’ve been around. He’s relatable, honest, and leads by example everyday.”
How is it being teammates with Tyrann Mathieu again? And what was your initial reaction when you found out he was going to the Saints?
“Amazing! I don’t wanna take credit but we had a good talk about this defensive unit vs KC and he ended up choosing us! I’m excited to have him in the backfield and believe he’s gonna feel at home with us.”
This upcoming year is one that a lot of fans are excited about. Do you have a certain game circled on your calendar that you’re more excited about than others?
“Bucs game for sure. Tom needs to go. But every other team that didn’t get to feel me will this year.”
That’s all I got, thank you for doing this! Good luck during camp! I got you with pics and vids again!
“No problem! Can’t wait for this season to start!”
Written by Kadin Janisch
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