Saints' Sean Payton thinks virtual reality could help train quarterbacks

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton believes the future of quarterbacking could be improved by virtual reality technology.

"The challenge we have all the time is that it's the one position where there's only one of them in the game the entire time.... How do you get those guys snaps, real-time snaps?" Payton said Friday at the MIT Sloan Analytics Conference, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "Much like we develop pilots - they do a lot of simulator work - I think the opportunity exists (in football).  

"Especially when you're able to accurately show movement with chips, exactly how it unfolds with the defense."

Payton also talked about the role of analytics in improving the scouting combine going forward.

"There's been a ton of studies being done now on your bone length as it pertains to your chances of playing a receiver position, chances of playing a defensive back position. (What) is your chassis basically made up of?"

The Saints have implemented many changes in how they make decisions since Payton has been with the team. Last season, they adopted a distance monitoring system for their own players (as many teams did) and they've used analytics for in-game decision making.

Still, he believes it's important to use a combination of data and your gut as a head coach.

"You become a more confident play-caller," Payton said. "I think you have to rely on your gut, but I think during the week that data can shape ultimately the way you feel and what your gut is."