Saints Players, Fans and Coaches React to Falcons Comments
On Twitter, #FalconsHateWeek has started and is growing stronger as we get closer to this Sunday’s divisional matchup. Players from both teams are trading jabs of “respect” or in some cases, full on trash talking. Sean Weatherspoon, the talented Falcons LB who has only played one full season in his five years drew the ire of Saints fans earlier today.
The Aints are way too sorry to have our names in their mouth! Our team will be bringing a broom to the bayou!
— Franklin De’Sean Weatherspoon (@SpoonJones56) December 18, 2014
Fans were quick to respond. These two teams hate each other, and it was evidenced by each side’s responses. (I can’t share many things that have been said, but you can use the above link in Falcons Hate Week). One Saints fan and a player made sure to point out Spoon’s lack of health on the field, while others turned to the Saints superior record. Here were some of the top responses.
@SeanWSpoon56 Bro,u playing in the game or nah
— B (@BryanTNR) December 18, 2014
Curtis Lofton had a great response to Weatherspoon's comments. With a straight face: "Is he playing this weekend?"
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 18, 2014
@BryanTNR @AllenK_81 It's funny when you google @SeanWSpoon56 and #Saints#WHODAT pic.twitter.com/9utpJ1G8g8
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) December 18, 2014
Keenan Lewis helped spark the war of words earlier in the week with his “funeral” comment. Lewis is one of the Saints more vocal players on the defensive side of the ball, and I’m sure everyone can expect him to get in the face of Julio and Roddy, depending on which player he lines up against. Julio Jones has yet to practice this week (today’s full injury report for both teams below), but there is still a possibility he will play. With both Roddy and Julio on the field the Falcons boast a deadly combination of receivers. Douglas isn’t half-bad either.
A big question is will the Falcons field a full compliment of receivers? While Douglas and White both returned to practice on a limited basis, all three of the Falcons best receivers are hampered by injuries. Even if they play on Sunday there is a chance none of them will be at 100%, especially Julio. While no one wishes injury on a player, it does play to a Saints advantage if their best weapons can’t inflict as much damage as they might usually do. One thing is certain, Sean Payton and Rob Ryan are going to prepare like Julio is playing. Scott Shanle seems confident the Saints will prevail Sunday, regardless of the health of the receivers.
This is best picture that sums up the @saints and falcons "rivalry" since 2006. #13-4 pic.twitter.com/XvaTpS2eSO
— Scott Shanle⁵⁸ (@scottshanle) December 18, 2014
Below is the Saints injury report, as well as the Falcons, and Sean Payton’s press conference from earlier today. There are a couple of good chuckles in the interview, so I encourage ya’ll to watch it. I didn’t find any information I thought was needed to write about, but I do believe you’ll enjoy it. I encourage you to follow and interact with me via social media, and for that simply visit my bio. As always, I welcome your comments, critiques and all around banter. God bless, and Who Dat!
Saints Thursday Injury Report:
Did Not Practice
DE Akiem Hicks (Ankle)
OT Terron Armstead (Neck)
S Jamarca Sanford (Hamstring)
Atlanta Falcons Injury Report:
Did Not Practice
G Jon Asamoah (Back)
WR Julio Jones (Hip)
Limited
WR Harry Douglas (Foot)
S William Moore (Foot)
WR Roddy White (Knee)
Full
DB Josh Wilson (Hand)
Skip to the 11 minute mark of the video to see
Sean Payton‘s press conference from 12/18/2014.