New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton called the punt block and touchdown by Michael Mauti in the 31-21 win Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons "a pretty big moment" for Steve Gleason, who watched from the sideline.
"There's so many ironies to it," Payton said of their shared experiences during a conference call Friday with local media.
Payton recalled the 2006 punt block by Gleason that led to a touchdown with clear detail. That game, in the renovated Superdome after Hurricane Katrina -- and the first home game for Payton as a rookie head coach -- also occurred at night and against the Falcons.