We’re in the midst of an exciting and compelling NFL playoffs, with entertaining games, highlight plays and nail-biting finishes across both conferences. On Sunday, four teams play for a ticket to Super Bowl LX on February 8th. Here’s a look at the two highest-profile names involved in the conference championship games with immensely strong links to the New Orleans Saints.
Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton
The most successful and longest tenured coach in Saints history is two games away from becoming the first ever NFL head coach to deliver
a Super Bowl to two different NFL franchises. But his task got a lot tougher in the aftermath of their divisional triumph over the Bills, with the news that quarterback Bo Nix’s season was over after he suffered an ankle injury late in the contest.
Payton has since insisted on his belief in backup Jarrett Stidham, who is now presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. But the Broncos are nonetheless home underdogs against the Patriots. Should the head coach find a way to get Denver to the Super Bowl, nevermind should they win it, few could dispute the value of his coaching ability toward achieving such an outcome.
Payton’s roster also carries a number of former Saints, including kicker Wil Lutz, whose playoff pedigree may be called upon in a big moment this weekend.
Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver Rashid Shaheed
Rashid Shaheed’s 95-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff of Seattle’s dominant win over San Francisco in the divisional round no doubt brought mixed emotions to many among the Who Dat Nation, as reminiscence over his days in the black and gold became mixed with excitement for the young receiver as he excels in new colors.
The Seahawks, like Payton and the Broncos, are the one-seed in their respective conference. They’ll host the Los Angeles Rams, coming off their thrilling overtime victory over the Bears a week ago.
Shaheed’s touchdown kick-started an authoritative display from Seattle, who will be hoping for a repeat performance against LA. What’s more, calling the plays for the Seahawks is former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
There’s every chance that Super Bowl 60 will contain at least one prominent figure closely linked with the Saints. What are you looking out for this weekend? Are you happy to see the players and coaches who are thriving with their new teams? Let us know in the comments!
