Head Coach Sean Payton returns to boost Saints to overtime victory over Falcons – NFL News
New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton made a morale boosting return to the sidelines for Sunday night’s game against division rivals Atlanta Falcons on crutches and a big leg brace on his left foot. The Saints Coach had to
watch games from the press box as he recovered from a broken leg and knee injuries suffered due to a sideline collision on October 17th.
Payton’s return had a positive effect on his team as the Saints just managed to win against the Falcons 26-23 in overtime thanks to John Kasay’s 26 yard field goal at 8:25.
"It was great having him," said Saints quarterback Drew Brees, "Just his presence. He couldn't wait to get back down there,"
The Saints Head Coach who previously was set to return after the bye week for the Saints Monday night game against the New York Giants, but with a game against division rivals and the First spot of the National Football Conference
South Division on the line Payton believed that the game was important to warrant his presence on the sideline.
“It was pretty simple,” Payton said. “I’ve been doing pretty good with the rehab. Just felt like we could be smart where I was at. It really wasn’t logistically a big issue.”
"Really, I just felt like this was an important game," He added. "That presence is important. I talked to the doctors this morning."
New Orleans Saints got a lucky break as the Falcons Coach Mike Smith’s overtime gamble to refuse to send on his punting side and continue the drive did not pay off with Running Back Michael Turner losing possession and in the process
the game as Kasay scored a 26 yard field goal to gain victory for the Saints.
Payton broke his leg during the Saints 26-20 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints tight end Jimmy Graham collided with Payton sending the Head Coach to the ground and breaking his leg he was tended to by medical staff
and watched the rest of the games from the press box.
The Saints are on a bye week and will face the New York Giants at home on Monday November 28th after the Thanksgiving.
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