Falcons riled by Saints QB Brees's record setting pass - NFL News
The New Orleans Saints comprehensively defeated their fiercest rivals Atlanta Falcons 45-16 and Drew Brees got the opportunity to finally break Dan Marino’s record but not without controversy.
The Atlanta Falcons players were not too thrilled by the final play of the Saints that led to Brees breaking Dan Marino’s record and voiced their displeasure at the move.
“No need for that," one player said, according to CBSSports.com. "It came on our watch, but it didn't have to come that way. We won't forget it."
New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton in an effort to defuse the tension said after the game
"Someone is going to ask this question, so I am going to answer it before it's asked," Payton said. "Typically, would I be throwing it there? The answer would be probably not. In fact, the answer would be 'I wouldn't be.' But I thought it was appropriate
that we get the record. We have a ton of respect for (Falcons coach) Mike (Smith), his staff and his players. It seemed like the right thing to do. I felt real good about the decision."
The Saints were already leading 38-16 in the fourth quarter and dominating the proceedings. With just two minutes left before the end of regular time the Saints called the play to Brees to pass the ball in order to break Dan Marino’s three decade old record.
Brees took the ball and sent a nine yard pass to running back Darren Sproles who scored the game’s final touchdown to get the Saints lead up to 45-16.
The play however, riled some Falcons players and some analysts called the move classless. The Falcons are angry with the fact that although they were still losing by a huge margin the Saints decided to throw the ball forward and increase the score even more.
With the game going live nationally and losing by such a huge margin to their fiercest rivals the Falcons anger was somewhat justified.
The Falcons may get to have their revenge soon as both teams are already qualified for the playoffs rounds and with the Saints the third seed and Falcons qualifying through the playoffs wildcard chances are that the two major National Football Conference
South rivals may see each other very soon.
Drew Brees now has 5,087 passing yards this season overtaking NFL legend Dan Marino’s 5,084 passing yard record for the most passing yards by a quarterback in a single season. However, Brees could lose the milestone as quickly as next Sunday when New England
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady who is 190 passing yards behind Brees faces the Buffalo Bills.
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