Sean Payton regrets playing sick Teddy Bridgewater in preseason game

Teddy Bridgewater started the New Orleans Saints’ second preseason game Sunday and turned in a very discouraging performance that his coach is taking the blame for.

Bridgewater went just 5-of-12 for 40 yards and an interception in a 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, with backup Taysom Hill rallying New Orleans to a win. Coach Sean Payton, however, took the blame, stating Bridgewater was sick and probably shouldn’t have stayed in as long as he did.

Sean Payton said Teddy Bridgewater was sick, admits he probably should’ve pulled him out earlier.

— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) August 18, 2019

Bridgewater won’t see much of the field in 2018 unless something disastrous happens to Drew Brees. However, for a guy who was pursued as a potential starter during the offseason, seeing him off that much was jarring. At least there’s a decent explanation.