New Orleans Saints (9-8) tight end Jimmy Graham took to X Monday to defend quarterback Jameis Winston for going against head coach Dennis Allen during the 48-17 Week 18 victory over the Atlanta Falcons (7-10).
“Get off @Jaboowins back,” Graham wrote. “This man is the best teammate I’ve ever had. Loves this city, this game and embodies everything you can ask for in a leader. Was a rare situation and we all take responsibility. Nobody thought it would get blown out of proportion. Also f--- the falcons.”
Winston and the Saints took their fair share of heat from the Falcons for handing the ball off to running back Jamaal Williams at the one-yard line with 1:13 remaining in the game to allow him to score his first touchdown of the season. New Orleans lined up in victory formation, typically a signal to the opposing defense that a kneel down is coming. Winston and the Saints, however, called an audible against Allen’s wishes.
Jameis Winston stands by decision to go against Dennis Allen
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was irate at Allen after the game, yelling profanities at him as they met up on the field. Allen said that Smith’s outrage was justified.
“We put victory [formation] out there, and guys kind of wanted to get him a touchdown. They did that on their own, and that’s unacceptable,” Allen said after the game. “Honestly I’m not sure exactly what was going on behind that other than they wanted him to score a touchdown.”
Winston said that the players on the field at the time made a collective decision to give Williams a chance to score. He added he has no regrets about his handling of the situation.
“I think it should be forgotten, especially when the score is already 41-17,” Winston said. “I don’t know how much worse it can get. Got a ton of respect for Arthur Smith and the coach that he is. I think they do some incredible things. I didn’t want to disrespect — that was not my intention.
“My intention was to lead the team that I’ve been with the entire year. We made a collective decision that we wanted to give one of our guys — who they fight with blood, sweat and tears in every game — in the end zone. And I’m going to feel good about it.”
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