Saints’ Interim HC Darren Rizzi loses it on the sidelines after rookie punter Matthew Hayball’s costly mistake
Darren Rizzi lashed out at punter Matthew Hayball after his 43-yard punt was returned for a touchdown.
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Darren Rizzi was infuriated at his punter (Images via Open Source/X)
Every week of the NFL season is an intense grind for the coaches and the players. While it is the 1 hour of gameplay on Sunday that truly counts, the run-up to prepare for it lasts an entire week. It is not surprising to see Head Coaches or players lose their cool after they commit a blunder.
However, New Orleans Saints‘ Interim HC Darren Rizzi nearly popped a vein after he witnessed Matthew Hayball run upfield after making a punt in the team’s Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants. The result is a successful punt return for their opponents as Ihmir Smith-Marsette was able to find his way into the endzone.
Fortunately for the Saints, the touchdown did not count as the Giants were flagged for holding. The penalty nullified the touchdown but it did not nullify Darren Rizzi’s rage. An infuriated Rizzi immediately took his hat off and threw it as soon as he saw Hayball approaching the sidelines.
Darren Rizzi was not happy after that play pic.twitter.com/ti2BN2ulkE
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 8, 2024
Darren Rizzi was fired up after Matthew Hayball’s rookie mistake
He had a lot of colorful words for the rookie punter who could not help but hang his head and just take the criticism from the Head Coach. Rizzi’s anger and frustration after this play resulted in his face turning red and running back Alvin Kamara calmly swooped in and pulled him back to pacify the situation.
Rizzi’s reaction to Hayball’s mistake came before the referees called a penalty on the play. The punter is supposed to remain at their position after they punt as they serve as the last line of defense. However, Hayball ran forward which meant the Saints were left vulnerable and the Giants took advantage of that. Rizzi appeared to be dissatisfied with Hayball’s kick on the play as well.
Rizzi’s reaction although blown out of proportion is a good sight for fans of the Saints. The interim HC cares and despite being 4-8 this season, he is focusing on one game at a time and expects perfection from his players. As for Hayball, it was an unusual mistake for the rookie who has otherwise been stellar this season. He has the most votes for a punter in the Pro Bowl voting so far.
Since Darren Rizzi took over from Dennis Allen, the Saints are 2-1. The special teams unit is one that Rizzi knows a thing or two about. He joined the Saints as the special teams coordinator in 2019 and previously worked with the Dolphins in the same capacity.
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Sumedh Joshi
(2235 Articles Published)