The score is 41-17 Saints, the Saints have the Ball at the Falcons' 1 yard line. It's 1st and goal with 1:13 left in the clock, and they can kneel down and win the game.

The play call goes into backup QB
Jameis Winston, victory formation, and they, supposedly they as a team, decide to ignore the call.

Winston said the Saints players decided collectively before the play not to call the kneeldown that was called, but to give the ball to Williams instead. Winston said he apologized to Allen for not running the play he was told to run but that he and his teammates wanted to honor Williams for the selfless contributions he’s made to the team this season.

“It was a team decision,” Winston said. “We know how much Jamaal means to this team. And I understood from D.A.'s perspective, D.A. didn’t condone that at all, but we decided as a team to do it.”

Winston said he has “no regrets” about the Saints’ players’ decision — even if his coach wasn’t happy about it.

I needed more context, and I think I found it.

In 2022 Jamaal Williams lead the NFL in rushing TDs with 17, three players tied for 2nd with 13 rushing TDs.

With 1:13 remaining in the 2023 season, Jamaal Williams had 0 TDs. The Saints, being one yard away, wanted to get him one.

Looks like the Saints used QB/TE/RB Taysom Hill more than the goal line than Williams.
Also totally besides the point, but the OL CLEARLY had early movement/got reset there and should of been a flag, not that anyone cares with a blow out game with 1:13 left in the season.

So, facts as I "know" them.

Dennis Allen called for victory formation.

Sent Jamesis Winston in to kneel.

Winston (and team?) made decision to get Jamaal Williams a TD for season.

Saints lined up in victory formation.

Saints ran ball and scored.


The lining up in victory formation AND running an actual play is the dick move part. If you want to get your guy a TD, don't be shady, be deliberate.

This could be an issue where the coach as lost the team though. Players disobeyed him. Granted for a "good" cause.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jimmy-graham-defends-jameis-winston-rips-falcons-after-controversial-late-touchdown

TE Jimmy Graham wrote on social media that he wanted everyone to get off Winston’s back.

“This man is the best teammate I’ve ever had,” Graham said of Winston. “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*ck the falcons.”

Zero2Cool;462647
The lining up in victory formation AND running an actual play is the dick move part. If you want to get your guy a TD, don't be shady, be deliberate.

This could be an issue where the coach as lost the team though. Players disobeyed him. Granted for a "good" cause.

100% agree.
I don't even understand how Jamaal Williams could feel proud or accomplished of having "scored a touchdown" under those circumstances.
Total lack of self awareness on all the saints players involved.