http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2008/09/deuce_mcallister_answers_the_c.html
Saints Coach Sean Payton wanted better production from his team in short-yardage situations, and New Orleans fans wanted more plays for running back Deuce McAllister.
Both desires came together early in the fourth quarter Sunday against San Francisco at the Superdome, as McAllister jumped headfirst over a pile of players and into the end zone on second-and-goal.
McAllister had his touchdown, the fans had their hero back, and the Saints had the finishing touches on a 31-17 victory.
“We wanted to get a win,” McAllister said. “I can’t say that it was a must win, but it was a game that we definitely needed.”
The Saints (2-2) began their longest homestand of the season, three games, with a win that brought them back to .500.
The star of the show — because he has been the star in New Orleans for so long — was McAllister, who had played sparingly in just one regular-season game before Sunday. Against the 49ers, he was introduced with the starters before the game, he was in for the Saints’ first offensive play, and he led the team in rushing, with 73 yards and the touchdown on 20 carries.
“Whether it was third-and-short or fourth-and-1 or at the beginning of the game, whatever it was, I just wanted to be on the field,” said McAllister, who also had a catch for 10 yards.
McAllister’s return to form after two knee surgeries came after a week that included more team injuries than Payton said he had seen during any other week in his head coaching career. On Thursday and Friday, the Saints listed 14 players on their injury report, including top receiver Marques Colston and starting tight end Jeremy Shockey.
Nola.com
9/28/08
