Fields Ready To Go

The Saints started fresh at mini-camp - new players, new coaches, and a new defensive plan designed to return New Orleans to defensive superiority.

“It’s what I always heard about the Saints - tough defense, great linebackers,” said linebacker Mark Fields, the Washington State product picked in the first round by the Saints last weekend. “That’s what I want to hear again.”

So would coach Jim Mora. So would his new defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, new linebackers coach Jim Haslett, new defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely and new defensive assistant Steve Trimble.

Kiffin and company switched the Saints to a 4-3 defense, which Mora says gives the team a more aggressive approach.

Fields is expected to be a big part of the new defense, replacing Sam Mills as the playmaker in the middle.

“It’s mostly the terminology I have to get used to here,” Fields said. “I don’t think I’ll have much trouble. It’s just a matter of getting reps on the field. The more you do it, the better you get.”