Bears tight end Jimmy Graham recalled Saturday that even the great Sean Payton gave up play-calling duties with the Saints, and Graham should remember — he was indirectly responsible for the first instance.
In 2011, Payton turned over play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Jr. when he was forced to the press box after he suffered a broken leg and a torn MCL when Graham ran into him on the sideline while being tackled by Buccaneers linebacker Quincy Black in a 26-20 loss to the Bucs.
The Saints already were fifth in the league in scoring at the time, but they reached another level with Carmichael calling the plays.