Arthur Smith was not happy with Dennis Allen.
The New Orleans Saints blasted the Atlanta Falcons, 48–17, on Sunday, eliminating their NFC South rivals from postseason contention. But after an interception late in the fourth quarter gave the Saints the ball at the Falcons’ 1-yard line, New Orleans opted to run a fake kneel play, handing the ball off to running back Jamaal Williams for a meaningless touchdown.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith did not appreciate that one bit, as he screamed an NSFW message at Saints coach Dennis Allen as the two approached each other for the postgame handshake.
Here's the tense moment, shared by Ari Meirov on X, formerly Twitter.
Oh boy. #Falcons HC Arthur Smith just went OFF on #Saints HC Dennis Allen for scoring a late garbage-time touchdown.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 7, 2024
"That's f****** bulls***!"pic.twitter.com/mPcekQYhvE
Smith, who seemingly mouths the words “That’s f—ing bull----,” clearly felt that Allen and the Saints were running up the score on the Falcons with the late touchdown.
Perhaps the effects of another tough season, which has his job security in jeopardy, got to Smith and he blew up over the Saints' late touchdown.
Evidently, Allen felt the Saints were in the wrong, as he explained that his players wanted to get Williams, who had zero touchdowns this season, a score. The Saints coach apologized to Smith at his postgame press conference.
Saints coach Dennis Allen: I’m gonna start by apologizing to Arthur Smith and the Falcons.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) January 7, 2024
Said they should’ve taken a knee. But guys wanted to get Jamaal Williams a TD and that’s “unacceptable.”
“That’s not who we are, not what we’re about.”
Despite the apology, this is likely a moment Smith and the Falcons won't soon forget.
