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.