The player reaction we’ve heard thus far to modified sudden death overtime rules has been mixed to indifferent.
But Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has strong feelings on the matter, like his coach. He’s taking the rules personally.
“If you read between the lines, we feel like they’re saying well, if Minnesota would have had a possession who knows what would have happened. We don’t appreciate that. I don’t appreciate it at all.” said Vilma in comments to Reuters at the Sony Ericsson Open, a pro tennis tournament in which he played a “friendly match” with world number two Caroline Wozniacki. (Wait . . . What?)
While Vilma is overreacting, he may have hit upon a source of motivation for Sean Payton to use, especially if the team opens against Minnesota.
As Steelers fans know, defending champs need every little extra edge they can get.