Jameis Winston backed by Saints teammates amid criticism - ESPN

NEW ORLEANS — Multiple New Orleans Saints players defended Jameis Winston and the decision to run a play out of victory formation against the Atlanta Falcons.

At least five current Saints and several former players defended Winston on social media after the backup quarterback handed the ball off to running back Jamaal Williams to score a touchdown instead of taking a knee. Winston overruled coach Dennis Allen's orders to take a knee and run out the clock in what eventually became a 48-17 victory over their NFC South rival.

New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham wrote Monday on social media that critics should «get off [Winston's] back.»

«This man is the best teammate I've ever had,» Graham said on X. «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.»

The players' defiance of Allen's playcall coincides with public scrutiny of the Saints' leadership after the team missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

Saints defensive end and team captain Cameron Jordan also took to social media Monday to clarify an earlier comment where he discussed team leadership, emphasizing that he was talking about players like himself, not coaches.

«If leadership is not what it needs to be, leadership can change, just like players can change,» Jordan told reporters in the New Orleans locker room.

Jordan later wrote on social media: «Nope i was talking getting more from player leadership… starting with myself. The team goes as the players go.»

The players have rallied around themselves and Winston, including Graham, a 13-year-veteran who found himself in a similarly controversial