The struggling Saints haven’t had much success this season, but one of the few highlights came back on Oct. 30 when New Orleans blanked the Raiders 24–0 to pick up their only win in their last five games. According to an initial report by NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, the team may have gotten an extra boost in the week leading up to the game in the form of a pep talk from former head coach Sean Payton.
“Sean Payton popped in because he had something to do in New Orleans, and like gave them a pep talk that week, they won 24-nothing,” Schrager said on The Bill Simmons Podcast this week. “And then Sean Payton leaves, and it’s like, maybe the worst thing he could have done was give them a taste of the Sean Payton magic. Because they won 24-nothing once he lit a fire under their asses…”
While Schrager’s report turned some heads, the story of Payton’s pep talk also caught the attention of Saints running back Alvin Kamara. The ballcarrier firmly quashed the rumors on Twitter, asking Schrager, “who gave you this Fake news??”
The tweet quickly got back around to Schrager, who walked back the report, saying he misinterpreted Payton’s movements when he was back in New Orleans.
“Misinterpreted this one. Payton was in town that week; didn’t address the team,” Schrager wrote on Twitter. “I’ll own this one and eat it.”
Payton left the Saints at the end of last season, allowing defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to fill the top job in New Orleans. Unfortunately for Allen, the Saints have labored along to a 3–7 record, despite playing in a weaker NFC South.
Though he might be out of the league’s coaching ranks this season, Payton remains around the sport as a broadcaster with Fox, which has only led to increased speculation about him making his way back to the sidelines next season. Should New Orleans continue to struggle, it could be only a matter of time before rumors pop up about a possible return to the Saints in 2023.
More NFL Coverage:
- Jameis Winston on Remaining Benched: ‘It Hurts My Soul’
- Jags Stadium Concession Stands Found Containing Dead Rodents
- Bills Scheduled to Fly at 3:30 Amid Buffalo Airport Delays
For more New Orleans Saints coverage, go to Saints News Network.
