Jameis Winston tries to explain going rogue on last-minute Saints TD vs. Falcons

The New Orleans Saints went out with a bang in Week 18, thumping the Atlanta Falcons 48-17. The score wasn't the only thing a bit lopsided.

Emotions were all over the place, as well.

Late in the fourth quarter, Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu intercepted a pass and took it down to the 1-yard line, after slowing down a little knowing he very well could have scored on the play. At the time it was 41-17 and the game was over.

From there, the Saints sent in quarterback Jameis Winston to kneel it out, in all likelihood. In fact, that's exactly what head coach Dennis Allen expected -- a kneel-down. But, the Saints had other plans.

Seconds later, running back Jamaal Williams was in the end zone for his first touchdown on the season. When asked about the play in the locker room, Winston gave this answer:

It was certainly a cringeworthy soundbite from both perspectives. As always, Jameis gave us his signature tone and subtle attitude while the reporter tried real hard not to tell him what he really thought.

Regardless of how you feel about the play, though, Winston also went on to explain to reporters that he and his teammates wanted Williams to score. After all, Williams led the league in touchdowns a year ago and had been held out of the end zone all of this season.

When it comes down to it, Jameis Winston and his teammates were trying to look out for one of their own.

"The play was victory (formation), but I also explained to DA that this was a team decision," Winston told reporters.

"I didn't want to disrespect (Arthur Smith) ... that was not my intention."

Winston once again said that this was a collective decision to allow Williams to get a touchdown. He also asked a reporter if it had been disrespectful for Mathieu to score on his interception, which makes a very good point. It could have gone either way.

The real shame, here, is that we won't get to hear more Winston postgame soundbites for several months now.