This week, Jamaal Williams downplayed his last-minute touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023’s regular season finale. Jameis Winston became the face of the moment when the New Orleans Saints ran up the score on their rivals, but Williams was the one who carried the ball into the end zone.
That was the last offensive play of the Saints’ season and resulted in Williams’ first and only touchdown of the year. Of course it was brought back up this week with the Falcons game coming up, but Williams doesn’t see it as a big deal. Atlanta fired head coach Arthur Smith and brought in sweeping changes this offseason, but Williams about to take the blame for that.
“I don’t think my touchdown was the reason for all of those (changes),” Williams laughed. When Smith’s dismissal was brought up, Williams pointed to his status as the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator in downplaying the significance of his TD: “He’s good, he’s on another team. It’s not like he’s out here homeless. He got another job. What are we talking about? It’ll be forgotten soon, don’t worry.”
Williams believes his play should be soon forgotten. He compared it to Mark Sanchez’ infamous “Butt Fumble.” This was a bad, yet accurate example. If Williams was trying to bring up a play that was forgotten in time, the ‘Butt Fumble’ is not one of those.
Over 10 years, that play is still brought up. 10 years later, Williams’ touchdown may still be discussed by Saints fans. If it was against any other team, Williams would be correct. In a rivalry as petty as Saints versus Falcons, this will be one of those memories that lives on.
The aftermath of it from Dennis Allen and Arthur Smith meeting on the field to Winston’s press conference after the game is too memorable.
