NFL social media teams have mastered the art of pettiness this season. Following a narrow victory in Week 9, the New Orleans Saints did not hold back their jabs. The franchise used a previous quote from opposing quarterback Shedeur Sanders to headline their post-game celebration, highlighting how much effort teams put into trolling these days. You can read more about the NFL Week 9 trolls on the official coverage page.
Saints leverage Shedeur Sanders quote for social media win
New Orleans managed to escape with a 23-22 overtime win against the Cleveland Browns. The game turned on a critical defensive stop during a late 2-point conversion attempt by the Browns. Because Deshaun Watson sat out with a concussion, Sanders stepped into the starting role. During his Wednesday media availability, reporters asked him about the Saints defense. The young quarterback offered a cryptic response, grinning as he said that his smile meant something specific.
The Saints clearly took note of that interview. When the final whistle blew on Sunday, the team shared a post featuring its players performing the signature Sanders celebration. They coupled the imagery with the exact words the quarterback uttered earlier in the week. It served as a definitive exclamation point on their hard-fought victory at home.
Expanding the reach of NFL Week 9 trolls
The Saints were far from the only team embracing digital banter this weekend. Across the league, franchises leaned into the NFL Week 9 trolls narrative to engage with their fanbases. The Los Angeles Rams targeted Washington with a creative homage to a classic 1970s educational cartoon. By reimagining the Schoolhouse Rock segment about how a bill becomes law, the Rams turned it into a jab about their own victory, labeling it as just a win.
Giants join the fray with culinary shade
In the NFC East, the New York Giants secured a rare road victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. The win broke a long-standing losing streak in Philadelphia dating back to 2013. The Giants defense played a massive role, recording seven sacks throughout the contest. Arvell Reese led that dominant performance from the linebacker position with three sacks of his own.
To celebrate the result, New York posted a video focusing on local Philadelphia culture. The social media team showed a cheesesteak being torn in half alongside the final game score. They included several memes featuring bald eagles to finalize the roast. While the competition on the field remains the primary focus for these organizations, the competition for the best social media post has become just as intense for every franchise involved.