Saints’ Darren Rizzi breaks down viral moment with Matthew Hayball and Alvin Kamara
On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints pulled out a 14-11 win over the New York Giants, thanks to an extremely athletic play from second-year defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. However, Bresee’s game-sealing blocked field goal wasn’t the first moment from this game that made waves throughout the NFL world.
In the second quarter of the game, the Giants had a punt return for a touchdown that was called back because of a hold. However, the aftermath of that play still become a story, because Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi absolutely unloaded on New Orleans punter Matthew Hayball. The broadcast captured Rizzi slamming his hat and headset, and yelling at the rookie punter until Alvin Kamara came over to calm him down.
Darren Rizzi was not happy after that play pic.twitter.com/ti2BN2ulkE
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 8, 2024
Many Saints fans applauded Rizzi for his passion and willingness to hold his players accountable, but some users on social media argued that the interim coach needed to calm down. Either way, it was a moment that Rizzi believed made the team better.
He explained that after the game, detailing the “passionate” exchange. Rizzi said that Hayball wasn’t executing the game plan, so he had to let him know. Whatever it was he said worked, because Rizzi explained that Hayball went on to do what they wanted him to do.
Darren Rizzi (on the 'passionate' exchange) said Matt Hayball wasn't executing the game plan. Said his last two punts were what they were trying to do all day.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) December 8, 2024
As for Kamara’s role, Rizzi detailed how he was trying to play peacemaker. The veteran running back told his head coach he didn’t know he could lose it on a punter like that. Rizzi appreciated Kamara’s leadership in that moment.
Darren Rizzi said Alvin Kamara was trying to play the peacemaker during the exchange between him and Hayball. He said Kamara told him "I didn't know you could lose your sh-- like that on the punter." Said he was being a leader.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 8, 2024
It shouldn’t come as a surprise how passionate Rizzi is about special teams, because prior to being named interim head coach, he was the teams special teams coordinator. That’s why it’s fitting special teams has played such a big role in his three wins as head coach, including on Sunday.
The Saints didn’t have their best day on special teams, in fact, Rizzi said it was the team’s worst special teams performance in recent memory. Still, the Saints sealed the game with a blocked field goal.
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