NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Backup quarterback Jameis Winston and the New Orleans offense upset the rival Atlanta Falcons with aggressive play-calling against the coach's orders and a convincing victory. .
Leading 41-17 with 1:10 left, the Saints lined up in a “victory formation” — indicating Winston was taking a knee to run out the clock. Amazingly, he got handed off to Jamaal Williams for a 1-yard touchdown. The final score was 48-17.
“That’s bullshit.”
Arthur Smith was angry that Dennis Allen was running up the score
pic.twitter.com/pwwVN6Y2In— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 7, 2024
“They did it to themselves. It's unacceptable,” Allen said, adding that Smith “should be angry” about the incident.
Winston, who was on mop-up duty after there was no doubt the game was over, said he understood the coach's call but decided to let the players in the huddle decide whether to give Williams a chance to score. Ta. It was his only touchdown of the season.
“The score was already 41-17, so I don't know how bad it could get, but I had a lot of respect for Arthur Smith and his coach,” Winston said. “I didn't want to disrespect (Smith). That wasn't my intention. My intention was to lead a team that I've been with all year, fought together every game with blood, sweat and tears. We made a collective decision that we wanted one of our guys to be in the end zone. We feel good about that.
“That's the important thing. It's about the team,” Winston continued. “It's not about regrets. It's not about anything else. It's about us as a team making a collective decision. But I apologize to Dennis. It wasn't his call, so I apologize to the DA. .”
Smith was seen angrily asking Allen about Williams' touchdown, but he said he doesn't remember what he said to Allen and largely avoided criticizing the Saints after the game.
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen watches the first half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome on January 7, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Gracen/Getty Images)
“They can do whatever they want. There's no rule against it,” Smith said. “In the second half we didn't stop them and they can do whatever they want to do. That's the reality. Hats off to them. In the second half they exceeded our expectations. That's their prerogative. It's also my privilege to express my feelings. It's a credit to them. They can do whatever they want there.”
Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell said he understands why Saints players wanted Williams to score a touchdown, but he takes issue with the way New Orleans deceptively lines up to appear as though it's kneeling. woke up.
“I wish they had lined up in a run formation,” Campbell said. “Don't look like you're going to kneel and then run and then hit the ball.
“I was frustrated by that because I feel like if I was going to do it, there could have been a better way,” Campbell said.
The play almost never happened. The shot was set up by Tryan Mathews, who intercepted Falcons reserve Logan Woodside at the Atlanta 1 and returned the ball 74 yards before being tackled by tight end John Fitzpatrick and receiver Mack Hollins. Ta.
Saints starting QB Derek Carr watched the play from the sideline after a four-touchdown game, but he didn't know offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. had called for a knee down. said. But Kerr also said he understands the urgency of his teammates orchestrating Williams' touchdown run. Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns for Detroit last season, setting a Lions single-season record with 17, but was shut out in the end zone this season.
“As much as the players really love their guys, sometimes there’s nothing a coach can do in this league,” Kerr said. “Players sometimes want to take care of their players, but coaches end up having to deal with that anger sometimes. It happens.
Kerr added: “I'm happy for Jamal, but I understand the whole situation.” “I know that's not what Pete meant when he called it that.”
