New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen has finally spoken out in response to allegations that his team engaged in dirty play during the Saints’ narrow 15-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The accusations surfaced after key incidents in the game, including one that led to Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith being placed in concussion protocol.
Addressing the controversy during a press conference on Monday, Allen defended his players and refuted claims that they crossed the line.
I’d say our guys play extremely hard, and we compete until the whistle blows,” Allen said. “But we don’t play dirty. That’s not how we coach, and it’s not how we play. Injuries happen in this sport, but no one on our team is out there to hurt anyone intentionally.
The accusations largely revolve around a fourth-quarter hit by Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd on Smith. Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a former Saint, called the hit a “cheap shot” after the game, sparking outrage among Eagles fans and players. Boyd was not penalized for the hit, though Smith was forced to leave the game after his helmet was knocked off.
Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to the Eagles by the Saints in 2022, didn’t hold back in his postgame comments. “That was the dirtiest thing I’ve ever seen in football,” he said. “They took a cheap shot at one of our key players, and that shows what kind of team they are.”
In addition to the hit on Smith, Saints defensive end Payton Turner was accused on social media of spitting on Smith as he lay on the ground. Turner quickly denied the claim, calling it “ridiculous” and stating on X (formerly known as Twitter), “I would never do something like that.”
Allen also addressed these incidents, making it clear that while his team plays a tough, physical style of football, they do not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.
Look, we play hard. Football is a contact sport, and emotions run high, but we do not coach or condone dirty play,” Allen said. “It’s unfortunate that there are injuries, but we don’t target players. That’s not how we play the game.
Another flashpoint during the game was a penalty on Saints right tackle Trevor Penning for unnecessary roughness after he blocked Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. into the bench on the sideline. Slay briefly left the game due to injury but later assured fans on social media that he was fine.
While acknowledging the physical nature of the game, Allen emphasized the need for discipline. You’ve got to have some awareness of where you are on the field,” he said. “We love the aggressiveness, but we can’t hurt the team with costly penalties.
The intensity between the two teams escalated further when Saints defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Marshon Lattimore exchanged heated words with Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter near the Eagles’ sideline late in the game. Though tensions flared, cooler heads prevailed, and no penalties were issued.
Mathieu later admitted emotions got the better of him and his teammates. “It’s an intense game, and when it’s close like that, things get heated,” Mathieu said. “But we should have stayed on our side of the field. We’ll learn from it.
As the fallout from the game continues, Allen’s defense of his players will be key as the Saints look to move past the controversy and focus on the rest of the season. However, the accusations have undoubtedly added fuel to an already heated rivalry between the two teams.
With both sides now having aired their grievances, this matchup could see a renewed level of intensity the next time these two teams meet on the field.
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