In the closing minutes of their 48-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, some New Orleans Saints players deviated from the planned play call, opting for an unexpected touchdown instead of kneeling to run out the clock. Following safety Tyrann Mathieu’s interception return to the Falcons’ 1-yard line, Saints coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael intended to take a knee and let the clock expire.
However, backup quarterback Jameis Winston was sent in to take the final snap in victory formation, only for the team to surprise everyone by running Jamaal Williams up the middle for a 1-yard score. Falcons coach Arthur Smith confronted Allen after the game, expressing his displeasure. The heated exchange between the coaches continued, with no postgame handshake.
Allen publicly apologized to Smith and the Falcons in his postgame news conference, clarifying that the players made the decision to score contrary to the coaches’ intentions. Smith, while acknowledging the absence of rules against such a move, voiced his frustration and emphasized his prerogative to express his feelings.
Several Saints players had wanted Williams or tight end Jimmy Graham to score, attempting to persuade Allen to allow it. Allen initially preferred taking a knee but was overruled by the players on the field. Despite the controversy, Winston defended the team’s decision, asserting that it was a collective choice made for the benefit of a teammate.
Reflecting on the incident, Williams expressed gratitude for his teammates’ support and acknowledged the significance of their gesture. Winston, addressing potential regrets, emphasized the team’s unity and apologized to Allen for the deviation from the original plan.
While the move sparked controversy, Winston suggested it should be forgotten, especially considering the significant lead the Saints held. Despite the disagreement and tensions, players on both sides acknowledged the unique character and camaraderie within the Saints’ team.
