New Orleans Saints players overruled head coach Dennis Allen late in their 48-17 win Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Quarterback Jameis Winston tried to justify the team’s decision after the game.
The Saints were up 41-17 with just over a minute left in the contest. The home team had the ball on the Falcons’ 1-yard line after Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu intercepted a pass from Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside. But instead of taking a knee and running out the clock, Saints running back Jamaal Williams scored a touchdown that infuriated Falcons coach Arthur Smith (video here).
Allen, who called for the Saints to run a victory formation and kneel down, was apologetic toward Arthur after the game and chastised his players for their insubordination.
Saints players had wanted to get Williams his first TD of the season. Williams rushed for an NFL-best 17 touchdowns with the Detroit Lions last season but saw his role diminished after moving to the Saints.
Winston spoke to reporters about the decision after the game. The Saints QB said he apologized to Allen but informed his coach that the TD run was a “team decision” to honor Williams.
“We decided as a team to do it,” said Winston. “Man, we got an interception to the 1-yard line. If we scored, would it have still been disrespectful? … When you return the ball to the 1-yard line, you have that opportunity. We just had that opportunity and we decided.”
Jameis Winston apologized to Dennis Allen because the play call was "victory". But also explained to Allen it was a "team decision" to go for the Saints TD. "We decided as a team to do it." pic.twitter.com/BorTC6p4nm
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) January 8, 2024
Winston, who did not throw a pass during the game, said he had no regrets over what transpired.
