A problem arose inside the Superdome on Sunday, Oct. 31, when Who Dat Nation was enjoying its two-game win streak. Its newfound quarterback star, Jameis Winston, suffered an injury in the second quarter that has knocked him out for a season that was filled with so much promise. It was supposed to be his redemption song.
During their week-eight home game against Winston’s former team, the Buccaneers, Winston showed glimpses of greatness early in the first half.
Jameis Winston has a torn ACL and is out for the season, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/Z6iWfLjMX9
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) November 1, 2021
Winston found receiver Tre’Quan Smith to complete a 16-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The TD was in deference to Tom Brady’s 12-yard touchdown pass earlier in the quarter to Chris Godwin.
However, calamity struck as linebacker Devin White executed an illegal horse-collar tackle that saw Winston twist his knee excruciatingly before being thrown to the ground.
Winston would need help getting off the field, and Who Dat Nation gasped at the possibility of losing their Heisman trophy winner. Coach Sean Payton was even less optimistic.
Gutting news about Jameis Winston. Having a tremendous season only for it to be cut short due to injury. Can’t wait for him to be back next season. That’s my QB!⚜️#WhoDat@Jaboowins pic.twitter.com/p9LjN6VHf3
— Dylan Hebert (@DylanHebert_) November 1, 2021
“I think it’s significant,” said Payton to the media after the game. “He felt something and he’s on crutches right now. I don’t want to say until I have a chance to talk with the doctors.”
However, the Saints still defeated the incomparable Tom Brady and the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win extended their home game win record to 2-1 this season and showcased Trevor Siemian at quarterback.
Siemian is a seven-year veteran who had not previously attempted a pass since the 2019 season. He was also a seventh-round draft pick by the Broncos in 2015, the same year Winston went number one to Tampa Bay.
Jameis Winston suffered an apparent ACL injury, as well as potentially damaged his MCL, per @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/ViDvo8jAJD
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 1, 2021
Any trepidation about Siemian’s ability subsided when he completed 16 of 29 throws for 159 yards. He also completed a touchdown without a turnover, although he has started 25 games in his career and is 13-12.
“First I want to say how gutted I am for Jameis. This win was for him,” said Siemian in a post-game press conference. “I just feel for the guy, I love him so much. Just being around him, you can’t help it, he’s got this infectious personality. And you’re just frickin’ gutted when you see anybody hurt. But watching him get hurt was tough.”
Winston’s former teammate, Devin White, who committed the offense against Winston, eventually stepped to him with an endearing tap on the head and words for his friend.
NFL makes no sense…
Trevor Siemian and the Saints are currently beating the hell AHT of Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champs
A guy named Mike White threw for 405 yards today.
And the Lions practiced a lot of hours this past week.. they lost 44-6
Greatest sport ever. pic.twitter.com/fF072F82yt
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 31, 2021
“I hate that this happened to you, man. Because you’re playing good ball and just praying for you. Because, man, Jameis is a good guy. He’s a great guy. I’m gonna put an emphasis on that,” said White post-game press conference.
“He’s a great guy. You hate to see that happen. I hope it’s not serious, man. I’m just praying for him. But it’s a long season. [I] hope he can come back and fight with his team.”
However, the Saints have the Buccaneers’ number.
Brady, who threw for four touchdowns against the Saints, couldn’t overcome a heavy deficit, even with Winston out the game.
In the last five minutes and 44 seconds of the game, the GOAT threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to Cyril Grayson. However, it wasn’t enough. Still, the Buccaneers lead the NFC South 6-2 with the Saints nipping at their heels 5-2.
No word on who will start for the Saints in week nine when they host the Atlanta Falcons.