Sean Payton falls, New Orleans Saints stumble against Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints four game winning streak came to an end Sunday evening when they fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-20.

Saints head Coach Sean Payton was absent from the sideline for the second half after being injured early in the first quarter when tight-end Jimmy Graham was tackled out of bounds and rolled into the coach’s legs.

Payton remained on the sideline for the remainder of the first half, calling plays from the bench, but an x-ray at halftime confirmed he had a torn MCL and fractured tibia in his left leg causing him not make another appearance.

Plans were made for Payton to coach the second half from the press box, but after further assessment of the injuries he remained in the lockerroom where he watched the game on TV.

New Orleans offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. assumed the play calling duties in Payton’s absence, he will  under go surgery tomorrow.