Ranking the New Orleans Saints and 3 Dirtiest Teams in the NFL

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson wasn't too happy with many of the Saints defenders, especially cornerback Jabari Greer during New Orleans' 42-20 victory on Sunday. 

Following the game, Peterson said Greer intentionally twisted his injured ankle one play before the Minnesota runner burst through the defensive line for a game-high 39-yard gain. 

Are the Saints a dirty club? 

The dirtiest in the league? 

What about some others that have been in the news throughout the season?

New Orleans Saints

For as wholesome and All-American as Drew Brees is, the Saints defense is definitely becoming known as a dirty unit. 

Here's Peterson's full quote regarding the Greer incident: (via CBS) 

"

I came into the game kind of expecting that coming back from a high ankle sprain," Peterson said, according to theTimes-Picayune. "Guys are going to try to take their shots when we're on the pile and try to twist it up and things like that.  "I felt like it kind of got overboard. I got up and kind of got in his face. Thank God I was able to keep my composure.

"

Remember that last week, the Titans' Nate Washington accused safety Roman Harper of being a dirty player after grabbing Damian Williams' face mask in their Week 14 matchup. Said Washington: (from same report)

"

Honestly, he's a dirty player. We watched film on [Harper], he's dirty. And I don't appreciate it, I'm going to step out in public and say it: He's dirty. That was dirty what he did, it's unfortunate that he grabbed the facemask -- at the same time you don't walk over a guy and nudge him with your knee. You don't do that. That's dirty. And honestly, that's a dirty player, flat out. This is not just one game. He's been doing it all season. And I'm tired of it. I hope the league did something about it.

"

Strong words there. 

Maybe the Saints are the dirtiest team in the NFL, after all.

Detroit Lions

The Saints biggest competition, but the Lions "dirty" label may come from just one player. 

Ndamukong Suh. 

We all know what he did on Thanksgiving, and frankly, that's enough to get Detroit onto this list. 

They're extremely physical across the defensive front although there haven't been any comments made by opposing players regarding anyone else on the team being dirty besides Suh.

He may be looked at as the league's dirtiest player after this year, whether he likes it or not. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

I've got the Steelers third, mainly because of James Harrison. 

His vicious and controversial helmet-to-helmet hit on Colt McCoy drew a suspension from the league and he accumulated $125,000 for illegal hits in 2010. 

I know plenty of you are fed up with the new, "soft" NFL and for as much as I love seeing a big hit like the ones Harrison delivers so often, concussions are really no joke.

Although his role has been greatly diminished, don't forget, Hines Ward, the king of the crack-back block 20 yards away from the football, is still on the roster.