NFL Teams Turn to Memes and History After Week 9 Wins
Social media posts from the Saints, Rams, and other victors targeted opponents with specific jabs following their Sunday victories.
By Kwame Silva ·
The New Orleans Saints beat the Cleveland Browns 23-22 in overtime on Sunday. The win came after the Saints forced a stop on a two-point conversion attempt late in the extra period.
New Orleans capitalized on a pre-game comment made by Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders started the game because Deshaun Watson was inactive with a concussion. During a press conference on Wednesday, Sanders was asked about the Saints defense. He grinned and said, "I've seen a lot. When I smile, just know that means something." The Saints used that quote in a social media post featuring players performing Sanders' signature celebration.
Other teams used regional and cultural references to mock their fallen opponents. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Washington Commanders, extending their winning streak to three games. Myles Garrett recorded three sacks and a forced fumble while playing alongside Aaron Donald for the first time. Puka Nacua caught 14 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. The Rams posted an image referencing the 1976 "Schoolhouse Rock!" segment "I'm Just A Bill," changing the text to read "Rams" and adding a "W." The caption read, "It's just a dub!"
The New York Giants ended a long winless streak in Philadelphia, securing their first victory there since 2013. The low-scoring game featured 463 combined yards and only two touchdowns. The Giants defense recorded seven sacks, a team high since 2024, with rookie linebacker Arvell Reese accounting for three. New York shared a video that included a ripped cheesesteak and various eagle memes.
The Cincinnati Bengals won the international game in Madrid against the Atlanta Falcons. Joe Burrow threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns, with two going to Tee Higgins. Ja'Marr Chase added 10 receptions for 115 yards and a score. The Falcons scored only one touchdown after the first quarter. The Bengals posted images of a bird with falling feathers and a churro shaped like a "W."
The Dallas Cowboys won in Indianapolis after a late-game surge. Dak Prescott connected with Ryan Flournoy on a 46-yard pass to start the winning drive. Javonte Williams scored the go-ahead touchdown four plays later. The Cowboys added a race car emoji to their victory post, nodding to the Indy 500.
The San Francisco 49ers forced five turnovers against the Las Vegas Raiders. Brock Purdy threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score. Christian McCaffrey caught one of those passes and scored another on the ground. The 49ers captioned their post with the phrase "Just win baby," a nod to late owner Al Davis. The Seattle Seahawks dominated Arizona, with AJ Barner scoring two touchdowns. Seattle posted a comic of its mascot spraying ketchup on its teeth. The Green Bay Packers scored 45 points in Foxborough, the most New England has allowed at home since 1970. Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers simply captioned their post "tea," referencing the Boston Tea Party.
