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Saints get roasted for their awful attempt at ‘Philly Special’

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 4:21 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints tried to run an elaborate trick play during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, but it turned ugly very quickly.

The Saints attempted a double reverse pass on 3rd and goal against the Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. while trailing 14-10 just before halftime. The play involved a reverse handoff to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who then handed it off to fellow receiver Chris Olave, who was meant to throw it to quarterback Spencer Rattler in the end zone.

The Bills seemed to have the trickery sniffed out, and Olave badly underthrew Rattler. That made for a pretty easy interception for Buffalo safety Cole Bishop.

The #Saints just tried their version of the Philly Special… but the #Bills weren’t having it.

Cole Bishop with the INT. What a play. pic.twitter.com/kA313CE8Gt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 28, 2025

Naturally, the Saints got roasted for their rather pathetic attempt at emulating the famous “Philly Special.” New Orleans head coach Kellen Moore is the former Eagles offensive coordinator, though he was not on the staff when the play was originally run.

That did not stop people from roasting the decision to try it, noting that the Saints do not have the personnel the Eagles do.

Kellen…baby what is u doin u don’t have Philly’s personnel for this
— (@cass_trizzash) September 28, 2025

That play doesn’t work when you have make a wish players running your offense
— Andrew (@Cheesepuff430) September 28, 2025

The Saints essentially cost themselves three points with the decision, though it did not ultimately matter in the end in a 31-19 loss.

The Philly Special does not necessarily work for other teams when they try it. The Saints, in particular, looked very poorly-equipped to be trying to run this. Moore might want to put that one away for a while.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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