LANDOVER, Md. — Had the New Orleans Saints won, they could have celebrated both the victory and Sean Payton’s new contract.
As it was, word that the team’s owners had given the coach an extension through the 2012 season was merely some good news that tempered a sour day.
“I’m grateful to the Saints and the Benson family for that opportunity and the confidence they have in myself,” Payton said following Sunday’s 29-24 loss to the Washington Redskins. “And we’re going to work our tail off to bring a championship to this city, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Payton’s deal was confirmed by the team before kickoff. He was already signed through 2009, so the new agreement adds three years to his contract.
Payton, in his third season with the Saints, went 17-15 his first two years and took the team to the NFC championship game in 2006.
Fargas injured, McFadden ready.
The Oakland Raiders lost running back Justin Fargas to injury. That opened the door for a big game by rookie Darren McFadden.
Fargas injured his groin midway through the second quarter when he tried to run a pass route down the sideline. Lined up against middle linebacker Pat Thomas, Fargas pulled up lame well before JaMarcus Russell’s pass arrived, then fell to the ground holding the inside of his leg.
He had 43 yards on nine carries before the injury after leading the Raiders with 97 yards on 18 carries against Denver last week.
In his place, McFadden ran for 164 yards and a touchdown in Oakland’s 23-8 win.
The Associated Press
