The situation seems like a bizarre cross between a Graham Greene espionage novel and the comic sports stylings of Dan Jenkins.

A coach, the unquestioned leader of his beloved organization, is caught in a highly publicized pay-for-performance scandal and, to much consternation and controversy, is barred from all contact with his team for one year. In the book, one imagines, the coach would then circumvent his penalty by surreptitiously sending playbooks packed in pizza boxes or using his car horn to communicate blitz schemes via Morse code.

In reality, New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton would face dire consequences if caught violating the terms of his one-year suspension from the N.F.L., starting with the possibility that he would not be allowed to return to the league when the suspension ended. That potential for long-term unemployment may be reason enough for most to believe that Payton is, in fact, staying away — and not, say, scratching out plays in powdered sugar during covert meetings disguised as beignet feasts.

Still, there are doubters. The Saints visit the Giants on Sunday, and in interviews this week, several Giants players questioned just how silent Payton has been this season. Punter Steve Weatherford expressed a common sentiment when he said, “Of course he will get his message to them somehow.”