Richard Sherman skewers Saints' performance vs Broncos - "They want to get their coach fired"
The New Orleans Saints have been at best a middling team ever since Sean Payton left at the end of the 2021 season. Excellent individual performances have gone to waste thanks to two straight playoff misses under Dennis Allen, and Richard Sherman is among those unhappy with the lack of heart and drive shown.
During halftime of Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos, the former cornerback had some choice words for the team and its 16-3 deficit:
"I don't get it. They don't wanna tackle, they don't wanna make plays... It seems like they want to get their coach fired! That's the effort they're playing with," Sherman said.
Saints being outrun by Broncos in Sean Payton's return to New Orleans
The main narrative heading into the Saints versus Broncos game was it was Sean Payton's return to the city that he helped uplift from the devastating catastrophe that was Hurricane Katrina. He helped them make their first NFCCG in 2006 and then won Super Bowl XLIV in 2009.
But all good things must come to an end, and that stint ended in 2021. After a year's sabbatical, he resurfaced in Denver in 2023 and was thought to be the man who would return Russell Wilson to greatness after Nathaniel Hackett ruined his reputation. It did not work out despite an improvement from 5-12 to 8-9, and Wilson was gone in the following offseason to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But this season, Payton has seemingly found a new potential main man in rookie Bo Nix, who has been a key part in dominating the Saints, especially on the ground. He still has not thrown a touchdown yet, but he has already rushed 10 times for over 70 yards – another example of his dual-threat prowess.
But the main weapon for the Broncos has been running back Javonte Williams. In 12 carries over the first three quarters, he has accumulated 81 yards and two touchdowns. The talented Saints defense that boasts Pro Bowlers Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu (whom Richard Sherman mentioned in his rant) is seemingly unable to stop him.
Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime have also been doing their fair share of rushing dominance, combining for 52 yards on seven carries.