During the New Orleans Saints' loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, there were some questionable decisions by both head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. 

Although, one incredibly smart move by Kubiak is catching some flack from at least one national media member. 

Late in the fourth quarter, down 23-17, the Saints got inside the Falcons' five-yard line to take the lead with a touchdown. Atlanta had just two of three of their timeouts remaining. 

Kubiak called two consecutive quarterback sneaks that did not look particularly competitive. Alvin Kamara then smashed his way in for a TD score.

It seems like those first two play calls were to force the Falcons to call timeouts to preserve time for their offense. Kubiak had confidence that his unit would get into the end zone on third or fourth down, with much less time on the clock. 

NFL analyst questions late-game decision by Klint Kubiak

Good Morning Football's Kyle Brandt thought New Orleans should have used Taysom Hill to ensure they got in the end zone for a lead.

I agree trying to sneak Derek Carr twice in a row was dumb

but @gmfb suggested the #Saints should “give the ball to Taysom Hill”

Only problem is, Taysom Hill was ruled OUT at this point in the game due to injury

Do better @KyleBrandt pic.twitter.com/2yjgS6OCm8

— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) September 30, 2024

Taysom Hill suffered an injury in the first half that did not allow him to return vs. Atlanta.

The Saints could not have used him in the late-game scenario to score because he had already been ruled out. He was dealing with a rib injury, added to his prior lung injury. 

This kind of omission can make Kubiak look bad, like he forgot one of his best weapons for inside the ten-yard line. In reality, he had no opportunity to use Hill because of his injuries. 

Is it fair to disagree with the risky calls from Kubiak, needing a TD to take the lead? Sure! You cannot use Taysom as a reason for how they could have scored quicker, though.

Kubiak's timely QB sneak calls, whether purposefully ineffective or not, played into the favor of New Orleans. Unfortunately, their defense allowed the Falcons to get in field goal range with limited time remaining to secure the victory.

Saints’ Alvin Kamara proves his commitment to New Orleans with simple statement after loss to Falcons

He bleeds black and gold.