2008 New Orleans Saints season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
New Orleans Saints
season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League
(NFL). The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season
.
* New Orleans was the designated home team for the game in London.
. In the first quarter, New Orleans drew first blood as QB Drew Brees
completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR David Patten
. The Buccaneers would reply with CB Phillip Buchanon
returning an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Tampa Bay took the lead with kicker Matt Bryant
getting a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Saints responded with kicker Martín Gramática
getting a 34-yard field goal. The Buccaneers would answer with Bryant nailing a 33-yard field goal, yet New Orleans regained the lead with Brees completing an 84-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay jumped ahead again as QB Jeff Garcia
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
. Fortunately, the Bayou faithful got the last laugh as Brees completed the game-winning 42-yard TD pass to RB Reggie Bush
. Bush's girlfriend Kim Kardashian
would later state in a 2009 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians
("Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder", aired 3 May 2009.) that she and her sister Kourtney attended the game. Kardashian and Bush later celebrated their victory at Morton's Steakhouse.
With the win, the Saints began their season at 1-0.
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham
got a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with Suisham's 36-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Saints took the lead with RB Pierre Thomas
getting a 1-yard TD run and kicker Martín Gramática
nailing a 49-yard field goal. In the third quarter, New Orleans increased its lead with QB Drew Brees
completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem
. The Redskins started to fight back as RB Clinton Portis
got a 9-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). New Orleans would respond with RB Reggie Bush
returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown. However, Washington rallied with Portis' 8-yard TD run and QB Jason Campbell
's 67-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss
.
With the surprising loss, the Saints fell to 1-1.
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Nate Jackson
. The Saints answered with kicker Martín Gramática
getting a 43-yard field goal. Denver replied with Cutler completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. In the second quarter, New Orleans continued to struggle as Broncos LB Nate Webster
returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown. The Saints started to rally as RB Pierre Thomas
got a 5-yard TD run, while RB Reggie Bush
got a 23-yard TD run. Denver answered with kicker Matt Prater
getting a 27-yard field goal. New Orleans closed out the half with DE Charles Grant
tackling RB Andre Hall
in his endzone for a safety.
In the third quarter, the Broncos replied with RB Michael Pittman
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Saints answered with QB Drew Brees
completing a 6-yard TD pass to Bush, yet Denver responded with Prater nailing a 34-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans tried to rally as Thomas got a 10-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). They even recovered a fumble and got into field goal position. However, Gramática's 43-yard attempt went wide right, ending any hope of a comeback.
With yet-another last-moment loss, the Saints fell to 1-2.
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as 49ers kicker Joe Nedney
got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints responded with QB Drew Brees
completing a 5-yard and a 33-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
. San Francisco tried to catch up as Nedney kicked a 49-yard field goal, yet New Orleans continued its dominance as Brees completed a 47-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem
.
In the third quarter, the 49ers tried to rally as Nedney got a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints continued its victory march as RB Deuce McAllister
got a 1-yard TD run. San Francisco tried to come back as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
, yet New Orleans sealed the deal with kicker Martín Gramática
nailing a 31-yard field goal.
With the win, the Saints improved to 2-2.
. In the first quarter, New Orleans was first out of the gate as QB Drew Brees
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
. The Vikings responded with CB Antoine Winfield
returning a blocked field goal 59 yards for a touchdown. The Saints answered with kicker Martín Gramática
getting a 35-yard field goal. Minnesota would reply with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 53-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikings took the lead as RB Chester Taylor
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
, along with Longwell kicking a 33-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans began to rally as RB Reggie Bush
returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Saints took the lead with Gramática making a 53-yard field goal and Bush returning a punt 64 yards for a touchdown. However, Minnesota rallied with QB Gus Frerotte
completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
, along with Longwell nailing the game-winning 30-yard field goal.
With the heart-breaking loss, the Saints fell to 2-3.
This game was the first time in NFL history that a game had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback, two field goals of 50+ yards, and two punts returned for touchdowns.
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Raiders Sebastian Janikowski
got a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as RB Reggie Bush
got a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
(recently signed due to Martín Gramática
out for the year) getting a 44-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans added on to their lead as QB Drew Brees
completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Aaron Stecker
and a 15-yard TD pass to Bush. In the fourth quarter, the Saints closed out the game with Mehlhaff nailing a 33-yard field goal and Brees completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell
.
With the win, New Orleans improved to 3-3.
With a 21-yard reception in the first quarter, Reggie Bush (14 att/27 yds, 3 rec/40 yards and 2 TDs), collected his 200th reception in his NFL career over the span of just 34 games, tying Anquan Boldin
for the NFL record fewest games needed to do so.
for a Week 7 NFC South duel with the Carolina Panthers
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Panthers kicker John Kasay
got a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints responded with FB Mike Karney
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, Carolina answered with RB Jonathan Stewart
getting an 18-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Panthers added on to their lead as QB Jake Delhomme
completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith and a 4-yard TD pass to WR DeAngelo Williams
. In the fourth quarter, Carolina closed out the game with Kasay nailing a 28-yard field goal.
With the embarrassing loss, New Orleans fell to 3-4.
for the 2008 International Series game with quarterback Drew Brees
' former team, the San Diego Chargers
. For the game, New Orleans was registered as the home team.
In the first quarter, the Saints drew first blood as rookie kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
got a 23-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New Orleans got a huge lead as Brees completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
(with a failed PAT), along with RB Deuce McAllister
getting a 1-yard TD run. San Diego would answer with QB Philip Rivers
completing a 12-yard TD pass to RB LaDainian Tomlinson
, yet the Saints increased their lead as Brees completed a 30-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
. The Chargers closed out the half as Rivers completed a 12-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
.
In the third quarter, New Orleans added on to their lead as Brees completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell
, yet San Diego continued to hang around as Kaeding got a 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints continued its scoring with FB Mike Karney
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to rally as Kaeding nailed a 31-yard field goal, Rivers completed a 14-yard TD run to WR Vincent Jackson
, and Brees giving San Diego a safety by throwing an incomplete pass into the back of his own end zone. Fortunately, New Orleans' defense held on for the victory.
With the win, the Saints went into their bye week at 4-4.
for a Week 10 NFC South duel with the Atlanta Falcons
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Falcons QB Matt Ryan
completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
. The Saints responded with rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
getting a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta answered with RB Michael Turner getting a 2-yard TD run. New Orleans would reply with Hartley making a 44-yard field goal. The Falcons would end the half with kicker Jason Elam
getting a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Atlanta increased its lead with Elam nailing a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Falcons began to pull away as Ryan completed a 67-yard TD pass to RB Jerious Norwood
. The Saints tried to rally as QB Drew Brees
completed a 15-yard TD pass to RB Deuce McAllister
, but Atlanta sealed the win with CB Chevis Jackson
returning an interception 95 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans would end the game with a meaningless 32-yard TD pass from Brees to WR Lance Moore
.
With the regular loss, not only did the Saints fall to 4-5, but their 4-game winning streak against the Falcons was snapped.
for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe
. The Saints would respond with rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
getting a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New Orleans took the lead as RB Deuce McAllister
got a 1-yard TD run. Kansas City would answer with kicker Connor Barth
getting a 20-yard field goal, yet the Saints closed out the half with Hartley making a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans increased their lead as QB Drew Brees
completed a 47-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
. The Chiefs would reply with Barth getting a 21-yard field goal, yet the Saints answered with RB Pierre Thomas
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Kansas City tried to rally as Thigpen hooked up with Bowe again on a 5-yard TD pass, yet New Orleans closed out the game as Hartley nailed a 35-yard field goal.
With the win, the Saints improved to 5-5.
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Packers FB John Kuhn
got a 1-yard TD run. The Saints would take the lead as QB Drew Brees
completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
(which gave him his 9th-straight game of throwing a pass of 40+ yards, an NFL record), while RB Pierre Thomas
got a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Green Bay responded with QB Aaron Rodgers
completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
. New Orleans would answer with Brees hooking up with Moore again on a 14-yard TD pass. The Packers would tie the game as Rodgers got a 10-yard TD run, yet New Orleans regained the lead prior to halftime as rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
made a 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints' offense exploded as Brees completed a 16-yard TD pass to TE Billy Miller
, RB Deuce McAllister
got a 3-yard TD run (which was his 49th career touchdown, making him the franchise's all-time career TD leader), and Brees completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston
. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay tried to rally as Rodgers completed a 4-yard TD pass and a 2-point conversion pass to WR Ruvell Martin
. Afterwards, New Orleans closed out the game with Thomas' 31-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the win, the Saints kept their playoff hopes alive at 6-5.
for a Week 13 NFC South rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. In the first quarter, New Orleans struck first as rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers took the lead as kicker Matt Bryant
got a 38-yard and a 23-yard field goal. The Saints would regain the lead as QB Drew Brees
completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay regained the lead as RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams
got an 8-yard TD run, along with QB Jeff Garcia
completing a 39-yard TD pass to WR Antonio Bryant
. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans would tie the game as Brees completed a 20-yard TD pass to RB Pierre Thomas
, along with Hartley getting a 43-yard field goal. However, the Buccaneers regained the lead as Bryant nailed a 37-yard field goal. The Saints tried to rally, but Brees' third interception prevented any hope of a comeback.
With the heart-breaking loss, New Orleans fell to 6-6.
returned home to host the Atlanta Falcons
. The Falcons appeared to be on the move on their first drive, but they came up empty after Saints cornerback Jason David
intercepted Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
at the Saints' 26-yard line. From there, it took New Orleans only three plays to get into the end zone as Reggie Bush
ran for 43 yards and then caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees
for the only score of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Saints added to their lead with a 26-yard field goal from Garrett Hartley
. The Atlanta offense finally woke up from there as Ryan completed a 59-yard pass to Roddy White
, leading to an eventual 5-yard touchdown run by Michael Turner, cutting the deficit to 10-7. New Orleans would respond with a 10-play, 3:39 drive that culminated in a 46-yard field goal by Hartley, extending the Saints' lead to 13-7. Ryan then completed five of six passes on the Falcons' next drive, the last of which was a 2-yard touchdown pass to Brian Finneran
, giving the Falcons a 14-13 lead. The Saints would then use the final 2:13 of the half to drive to the Falcons' 7-yard line, and closed out the half on a 25-yard field goal by Hartley to give New Orleans a 16-14 haltime lead.
After an exchange of punts to begin the second half, Atlanta drove down to the Saints' 5-yard line by virtue of a long 18-play, 9:15 drive, only to settle for a 23-yard field goal by Jason Elam
, which nevertheless gave the Falcons a 17-16 lead. New Orleans responded with an 11-play drive bridging the third and fourth quarters, which ended with Brees' 7-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas
, with a failed two-point conversion. The Falcons then marched 73 yards in 11 plays, the last being a 12-yard touchdown scramble by Ryan, plus a successful two-point conversion to Michael Jenkins. But thanks to an 88-yard return by Thomas on the ensuing kickoff, the Saints' drive started off at the Falcons' 16-yard line. With the Saints facing 4th-and 1 at the 7 yard line, New Orleans coach Sean Payton
elected to go for it rather than attempt a game-tying 25-yard field goal. Fullback Mike Karney
came through for the Saints, getting a first down, and then Thomas gave the Saints a 29-25 lead with a 5-yard touchdown run. The Falcons could not get past their own 35-yard line on the ensuing drive, and they chose to punt the ball back to the Saints' offense, which ran out the clock.
With the win, the Saints kept their slim playoff hopes alive at 7-6. Pierre Thomas piled up 197 all-purpose yards, including 109 yards from scrimmage, 102 of it rushing. This was also the second time in a row that the Saints followed a heartbreaking loss to the Buccaneers with a win over the Falcons.
for a Week 15 Thursday night battle with the Chicago Bears
. New Orleans immediately trailed as in the first quarter, as Bears safety Danieal Manning
returned the game's opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown. The Saints would answer with quarterback Drew Brees
' 2-yard touchdown pass to running back Pierre Thomas
, but Chicago struck right back as running back Matt Forté
got a 1-yard touchdown run, along with quarterback Kyle Orton
getting a 6-yard touchdown run.
The Saints would begin to rally in the third quarter, as Thomas got a 42-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans took the lead as kicker Garrett Hartley
got a 30-yard field goal, along with Brees completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
. However, the Bears tied the game as kicker Robbie Gould
made a 28-yard field goal. In overtime, Chicago sealed New Orleans' fate as Gould nailed the game-winning 35-yard field goal.
With the heart-breaking loss, not only did the Saints fall to 7-7, but it knocked them out of playoff contention after Atlanta's 13-10 overtime win over Tampa Bay on December 14.
for a Week 16 duel with the winless Detroit Lions
. New Orleans would get the early first quarter lead as wide receiver Robert Meachem
got a 20-yard touchdown run, followed by running back Deuce McAllister
's 2-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Lions would answer with running back Kevin Smith
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Saints would answer with running back Mike Bell's 1-yard touchdown run, followed by running back Pierre Thomas
's 2-yard touchdown run. New Orleans would close out the game's scoring with quarterback Drew Brees
completing a 6-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
.
With the win, the Saints improved to 8-7.
. New Orleans would trail early in the first quarter as Panthers kicker John Kasay
got a 45-yard and a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints would respond as rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
made a 21-yard field goal, yet Carolina answered with Kasay's 34-yard field goal, quarterback Jake Delhomme
's 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad
, and cornerback Dante Wesley
's 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown. New Orleans would close out the half with quarterback Drew Brees
completing a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
.
The Panthers would add on to their lead in the third quarter as running back Jonathan Stewart
got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the Saints rallied to take the lead as Brees completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem
, along with a 9-yard and a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lance Moore
. However, Carolina took the lead for good as Kasay nailed the game-winning 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, New Orleans ended their season at 8-8.
Despite falling 16 yards shy of surpassing Dan Marino
for the most single-season passing yards, Brees (30/49 for 386 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) would join Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw for 5,000+ yards in a season (5,069).
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL). The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season
2007 New Orleans Saints season
-Game summary:The 2007 New Orleans Saints began their regular season in the annual Thursday night Kickoff game against the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Super Bowl XLI MVP Peyton Manning completed a 27-yard TD pass to WR Marvin...
.
Pre-season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time | Game Site | TV | Result/Score | Record | Match Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 7, 2008 | Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
7:00 pm CDT | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
24-10 | 1-0 | Recap |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
7:00 pm CDT | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
CST | 27-31 | 1-1 | Recap |
| 3 | August 23, 2008 | Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
6:30 pm CDT | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CST | 13-0 | 2-1 | Recap |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
7:00 pm CDT | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
CST | 10-14 | 2-2 | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time | Game Site | TV | Result/Score | Record | Match Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
12:00pm CDT | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
W 24-20 | 1-0 | Recap |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
12:00pm CDT | Fedex Field | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
L 24-29 | 1-1 | Recap |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
3:05pm CDT | Invesco Field | Fox | L 32-34 | 1-2 | Recap |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
12:00pm CDT | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
Fox | W 31-17 | 2-2 | Recap |
| 5 | October 6, 2008 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
7:30pm CDT | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
L 27-30 | 2-3 | Recap |
| 6 | October 12, 2008 | Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
12:00pm CDT | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
W 34-3 | 3-3 | Recap |
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
12:00pm CDT | Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East... |
Fox | L 7-30 | 3-4 | Recap |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
12:00pm CDT | Wembley Stadium Wembley Stadium The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... * |
CBS / BBC BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff... (UK) |
W 37-32 | 4-4 | Recap |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | Bye week | ||||||
| 10 | November 9, 2008 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
12:00pm CST | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
Fox | L 20-34 | 4-5 | Recap |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... |
12:00pm CST | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
Fox | W 30-20 | 5-5 | Recap |
| 12 | November 24, 2008 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
7:30pm CST | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
ESPN | W 51-29 | 6-5 | Recap |
| 13 | November 30, 2008 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West... |
12:00pm CST | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
Fox | L 23-20 | 6-6 | Recap |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
12:00pm CST | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
Fox | W 29-25 | 7-6 | Recap |
| 15 | December 11, 2008 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
7:15pm CST | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
NFL Network NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
L 27-24 | 7-7 | Recap |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
12:00pm CST | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
Fox | W 42-7 | 8-7 | Recap |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
12:00pm CST | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
Fox | L 31-33 | 8-8 | Recap |
Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Saints began their 2008 campaign at home against their NFC South foe, the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans drew first blood as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR David Patten
David Patten
David Patten is a former American football wide receiver. He was signed by the Albany Firebirds as a street free agent in 1996. He played college football at Western Carolina....
. The Buccaneers would reply with CB Phillip Buchanon
Phillip Buchanon
Phillip Darren Buchanon is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders 17th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
returning an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Tampa Bay took the lead with kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
getting a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Saints responded with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
getting a 34-yard field goal. The Buccaneers would answer with Bryant nailing a 33-yard field goal, yet New Orleans regained the lead with Brees completing an 84-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
Devery Henderson
-New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November...
. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay jumped ahead again as QB Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia
Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard
Ike Hilliard
Isaac Jason "Ike" Hilliard is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver for twelve seasons in the National Football League during the 1990s and 2000s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for...
. Fortunately, the Bayou faithful got the last laugh as Brees completed the game-winning 42-yard TD pass to RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
. Bush's girlfriend Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian
Kimberly Noel "Kim" Kardashian is an American socialite, television personality, model, actress and businesswoman. She is known for the E! reality series that she shares with her family—Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and its spin-offs including Kourtney and Kim Take New York...
would later state in a 2009 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Keeping Up with the Kardashians is an American reality television series that airs on E!. The series premiered in October 2007. It focuses on the personal and professional lives of the members of the Kardashian and Jenner family. There will be a 7th Season to premiere in 2012.As of September 2011,...
("Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder", aired 3 May 2009.) that she and her sister Kourtney attended the game. Kardashian and Bush later celebrated their victory at Morton's Steakhouse.
With the win, the Saints began their season at 1-0.
Week 2: at Washington Redskins
Coming off their divisional home win over the Buccaneers, the Saints flew to FedEx Field for a Week 2 duel with the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
got a 22-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with Suisham's 36-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Saints took the lead with RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
getting a 1-yard TD run and kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
nailing a 49-yard field goal. In the third quarter, New Orleans increased its lead with QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
. The Redskins started to fight back as RB Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
got a 9-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). New Orleans would respond with RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown. However, Washington rallied with Portis' 8-yard TD run and QB Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
's 67-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss
Santana Moss
Santana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
.
With the surprising loss, the Saints fell to 1-1.
Week 3: at Denver Broncos
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Redskins, the Saints flew to Invesco Field at Mile HighINVESCO Field at Mile High
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Nate Jackson
Nate Jackson
Nate Jackson is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Menlo...
. The Saints answered with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
getting a 43-yard field goal. Denver replied with Cutler completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. In the second quarter, New Orleans continued to struggle as Broncos LB Nate Webster
Nate Webster
Nate Webster is a former American football linebacker who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown. The Saints started to rally as RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
got a 5-yard TD run, while RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 23-yard TD run. Denver answered with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
getting a 27-yard field goal. New Orleans closed out the half with DE Charles Grant
Charles Grant (American football)
Charles Gabriel Grant is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
tackling RB Andre Hall
Andre Hall
Andre Hall is an American football running back for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
in his endzone for a safety.
In the third quarter, the Broncos replied with RB Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State....
getting a 2-yard TD run. The Saints answered with QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 6-yard TD pass to Bush, yet Denver responded with Prater nailing a 34-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans tried to rally as Thomas got a 10-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). They even recovered a fumble and got into field goal position. However, Gramática's 43-yard attempt went wide right, ending any hope of a comeback.
With yet-another last-moment loss, the Saints fell to 1-2.
Week 4: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Saints went home for a Week 4 duel with the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as 49ers kicker Joe Nedney
Joe Nedney
Joseph Thomas Nedney is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nedney played college football at San Jose State and signed as an undrafted player with the Miami Dolphins in 1996...
got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints responded with QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 5-yard and a 33-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. San Francisco tried to catch up as Nedney kicked a 49-yard field goal, yet New Orleans continued its dominance as Brees completed a 47-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
.
In the third quarter, the 49ers tried to rally as Nedney got a 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints continued its victory march as RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. San Francisco tried to come back as QB J.T. O'Sullivan completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Isidore Bruce is a retired American football wide receiver. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Memphis....
, yet New Orleans sealed the deal with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
nailing a 31-yard field goal.
With the win, the Saints improved to 2-2.
Week 5: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Coming off their home win over the 49ers, the Saints stayed at home for a Week 5 Monday Night duel with the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans was first out of the gate as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
Devery Henderson
-New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November...
. The Vikings responded with CB Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield
Antoine Winfield is an American football cornerback in the NFL. He played college football at The Ohio State University, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 1998. Winfield was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Since 2004, he...
returning a blocked field goal 59 yards for a touchdown. The Saints answered with kicker Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
getting a 35-yard field goal. Minnesota would reply with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 53-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Vikings took the lead as RB Chester Taylor
Chester Taylor
Chester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe
Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...
, along with Longwell kicking a 33-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans began to rally as RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Saints took the lead with Gramática making a 53-yard field goal and Bush returning a punt 64 yards for a touchdown. However, Minnesota rallied with QB Gus Frerotte
Gus Frerotte
Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....
completing a 33-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, along with Longwell nailing the game-winning 30-yard field goal.
With the heart-breaking loss, the Saints fell to 2-3.
This game was the first time in NFL history that a game had a combination of a blocked field goal, a TD pass by a non-quarterback, two field goals of 50+ yards, and two punts returned for touchdowns.
Week 6: vs. Oakland Raiders
Hoping to rebound from their MNF home loss to the Vikings, the Saints stayed at home for a Week 6 interconference duel with the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Raiders Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
got a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as RB Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
got a 3-yard TD run, along with kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
Taylor Mehlhaff
Taylor Mehlhaff is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin....
(recently signed due to Martín Gramática
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
out for the year) getting a 44-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans added on to their lead as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Aaron Stecker
Aaron Stecker
Aaron Stecker is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Western Illinois....
and a 15-yard TD pass to Bush. In the fourth quarter, the Saints closed out the game with Mehlhaff nailing a 33-yard field goal and Brees completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell
Mark Campbell
Mark Joseph Campbell is a former American Football tight end who played for ten seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns from 1999–2002, the Buffalo Bills from 2003–2005, and the New Orleans Saints from 2006–2008. He was signed by the Browns as an...
.
With the win, New Orleans improved to 3-3.
With a 21-yard reception in the first quarter, Reggie Bush (14 att/27 yds, 3 rec/40 yards and 2 TDs), collected his 200th reception in his NFL career over the span of just 34 games, tying Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin
-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
for the NFL record fewest games needed to do so.
Week 7: at Carolina Panthers
Coming off their dominating home win over the Raiders, the Saints began their road trip at the Bank of America StadiumBank of America Stadium
Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...
for a Week 7 NFC South duel with the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Panthers kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
got a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints responded with FB Mike Karney
Mike Karney
Michael John Mario Karney is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, Carolina answered with RB Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
getting an 18-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Panthers added on to their lead as QB Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith and a 4-yard TD pass to WR DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, Carolina closed out the game with Kasay nailing a 28-yard field goal.
With the embarrassing loss, New Orleans fell to 3-4.
Week 8: vs. San Diego Chargers
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Panthers, the Saints flew to Wembley StadiumWembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
for the 2008 International Series game with quarterback Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
' former team, the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. For the game, New Orleans was registered as the home team.
In the first quarter, the Saints drew first blood as rookie kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
Taylor Mehlhaff
Taylor Mehlhaff is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin....
got a 23-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
getting a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New Orleans got a huge lead as Brees completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson
Devery Henderson
-New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November...
(with a failed PAT), along with RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. San Diego would answer with QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completing a 12-yard TD pass to RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
, yet the Saints increased their lead as Brees completed a 30-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. The Chargers closed out the half as Rivers completed a 12-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
.
In the third quarter, New Orleans added on to their lead as Brees completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell
Mark Campbell
Mark Joseph Campbell is a former American Football tight end who played for ten seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns from 1999–2002, the Buffalo Bills from 2003–2005, and the New Orleans Saints from 2006–2008. He was signed by the Browns as an...
, yet San Diego continued to hang around as Kaeding got a 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints continued its scoring with FB Mike Karney
Mike Karney
Michael John Mario Karney is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to rally as Kaeding nailed a 31-yard field goal, Rivers completed a 14-yard TD run to WR Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
, and Brees giving San Diego a safety by throwing an incomplete pass into the back of his own end zone. Fortunately, New Orleans' defense held on for the victory.
With the win, the Saints went into their bye week at 4-4.
Week 10: at Atlanta Falcons
Coming off their bye week, the Saints flew to the Georgia DomeGeorgia Dome
The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...
for a Week 10 NFC South duel with the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Falcons QB Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
. The Saints responded with rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
getting a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta answered with RB Michael Turner getting a 2-yard TD run. New Orleans would reply with Hartley making a 44-yard field goal. The Falcons would end the half with kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Atlanta increased its lead with Elam nailing a 27-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Falcons began to pull away as Ryan completed a 67-yard TD pass to RB Jerious Norwood
Jerious Norwood
-2006:In 2006, Norwood played in 14 games and ranked third on the team with 633 rushing yards on 99 carries with two touchdowns to go along with 12 receptions for 102 yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 320 yards and tallied three special teams tackles.Norwood was the first player in NFL...
. The Saints tried to rally as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 15-yard TD pass to RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, but Atlanta sealed the win with CB Chevis Jackson
Chevis Jackson
Chevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
returning an interception 95 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans would end the game with a meaningless 32-yard TD pass from Brees to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
With the regular loss, not only did the Saints fall to 4-5, but their 4-game winning streak against the Falcons was snapped.
Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Falcons, the Saints flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler "Dirty Pigpen" Thigpen is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Thigpen was drafted out of Coastal Carolina University in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.Tyler Thigpen was the first quarterback to play for...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
. The Saints would respond with rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
getting a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New Orleans took the lead as RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard TD run. Kansas City would answer with kicker Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
getting a 20-yard field goal, yet the Saints closed out the half with Hartley making a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans increased their lead as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 47-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. The Chiefs would reply with Barth getting a 21-yard field goal, yet the Saints answered with RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Kansas City tried to rally as Thigpen hooked up with Bowe again on a 5-yard TD pass, yet New Orleans closed out the game as Hartley nailed a 35-yard field goal.
With the win, the Saints improved to 5-5.
Week 12: vs. Green Bay Packers
Coming off their road win over the Chiefs, the Saints went home for a Week 12 MNF duel with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Packers FB John Kuhn
John Kuhn
John Allen Kuhn is an American football fullback, currently playing for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. John attended Dover Area High School in Dover, Pennsylvania...
got a 1-yard TD run. The Saints would take the lead as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
(which gave him his 9th-straight game of throwing a pass of 40+ yards, an NFL record), while RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
got a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Green Bay responded with QB Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...
completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
. New Orleans would answer with Brees hooking up with Moore again on a 14-yard TD pass. The Packers would tie the game as Rodgers got a 10-yard TD run, yet New Orleans regained the lead prior to halftime as rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
made a 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints' offense exploded as Brees completed a 16-yard TD pass to TE Billy Miller
Billy Miller
Billy RoShawn Miller is a retired American football tight end won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
, RB Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
got a 3-yard TD run (which was his 49th career touchdown, making him the franchise's all-time career TD leader), and Brees completed a 70-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay tried to rally as Rodgers completed a 4-yard TD pass and a 2-point conversion pass to WR Ruvell Martin
Ruvell Martin
Ruvell Martin is an American football wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers in 2004. He played college football at Saginaw Valley State....
. Afterwards, New Orleans closed out the game with Thomas' 31-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the win, the Saints kept their playoff hopes alive at 6-5.
Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off their Monday Night home win over the Packers, the Saints flew to Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
for a Week 13 NFC South rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans struck first as rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Buccaneers took the lead as kicker Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
got a 38-yard and a 23-yard field goal. The Saints would regain the lead as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay regained the lead as RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams
Carnell Williams
Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
got an 8-yard TD run, along with QB Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia
Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
completing a 39-yard TD pass to WR Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans would tie the game as Brees completed a 20-yard TD pass to RB Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
, along with Hartley getting a 43-yard field goal. However, the Buccaneers regained the lead as Bryant nailed a 37-yard field goal. The Saints tried to rally, but Brees' third interception prevented any hope of a comeback.
With the heart-breaking loss, New Orleans fell to 6-6.
Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Tampa Bay, the New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
returned home to host the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Falcons appeared to be on the move on their first drive, but they came up empty after Saints cornerback Jason David
Jason David
Jason Aeron Walter David is an American football cornerback and is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
intercepted Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan (American football)
Matthew Thomas "Matt" Ryan , nicknamed "Matty Ice," is the starting American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...
at the Saints' 26-yard line. From there, it took New Orleans only three plays to get into the end zone as Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush
Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
ran for 43 yards and then caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
for the only score of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Saints added to their lead with a 26-yard field goal from Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
. The Atlanta offense finally woke up from there as Ryan completed a 59-yard pass to Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
, leading to an eventual 5-yard touchdown run by Michael Turner, cutting the deficit to 10-7. New Orleans would respond with a 10-play, 3:39 drive that culminated in a 46-yard field goal by Hartley, extending the Saints' lead to 13-7. Ryan then completed five of six passes on the Falcons' next drive, the last of which was a 2-yard touchdown pass to Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran
Brian Finneran is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
, giving the Falcons a 14-13 lead. The Saints would then use the final 2:13 of the half to drive to the Falcons' 7-yard line, and closed out the half on a 25-yard field goal by Hartley to give New Orleans a 16-14 haltime lead.
After an exchange of punts to begin the second half, Atlanta drove down to the Saints' 5-yard line by virtue of a long 18-play, 9:15 drive, only to settle for a 23-yard field goal by Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
, which nevertheless gave the Falcons a 17-16 lead. New Orleans responded with an 11-play drive bridging the third and fourth quarters, which ended with Brees' 7-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
, with a failed two-point conversion. The Falcons then marched 73 yards in 11 plays, the last being a 12-yard touchdown scramble by Ryan, plus a successful two-point conversion to Michael Jenkins. But thanks to an 88-yard return by Thomas on the ensuing kickoff, the Saints' drive started off at the Falcons' 16-yard line. With the Saints facing 4th-and 1 at the 7 yard line, New Orleans coach Sean Payton
Sean Payton
Patrick Sean Payton is the current head coach of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. Payton was a quarterback at Naperville Central High School and Eastern Illinois University and played professionally in 1987 and 1988...
elected to go for it rather than attempt a game-tying 25-yard field goal. Fullback Mike Karney
Mike Karney
Michael John Mario Karney is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
came through for the Saints, getting a first down, and then Thomas gave the Saints a 29-25 lead with a 5-yard touchdown run. The Falcons could not get past their own 35-yard line on the ensuing drive, and they chose to punt the ball back to the Saints' offense, which ran out the clock.
With the win, the Saints kept their slim playoff hopes alive at 7-6. Pierre Thomas piled up 197 all-purpose yards, including 109 yards from scrimmage, 102 of it rushing. This was also the second time in a row that the Saints followed a heartbreaking loss to the Buccaneers with a win over the Falcons.
Week 15: at Chicago Bears
With a divisional home win to the Falcons behind them, the Saints flew to Soldier FieldSoldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
for a Week 15 Thursday night battle with the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. New Orleans immediately trailed as in the first quarter, as Bears safety Danieal Manning
Danieal Manning
Danieal Manning is a professional American football safety for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 42nd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft from Abilene Christian University, which made him the first player from a non-Division I school to be selected that year...
returned the game's opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown. The Saints would answer with quarterback Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
' 2-yard touchdown pass to running back Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
, but Chicago struck right back as running back Matt Forté
Matt Forté
Matthew Garrett Forté is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
got a 1-yard touchdown run, along with quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 6-yard touchdown run.
The Saints would begin to rally in the third quarter, as Thomas got a 42-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans took the lead as kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
got a 30-yard field goal, along with Brees completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
. However, the Bears tied the game as kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
made a 28-yard field goal. In overtime, Chicago sealed New Orleans' fate as Gould nailed the game-winning 35-yard field goal.
With the heart-breaking loss, not only did the Saints fall to 7-7, but it knocked them out of playoff contention after Atlanta's 13-10 overtime win over Tampa Bay on December 14.
Week 16: at Detroit Lions
Coming off their loss to the Bears, the Saints flew to Ford FieldFord Field
Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for...
for a Week 16 duel with the winless Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. New Orleans would get the early first quarter lead as wide receiver Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
got a 20-yard touchdown run, followed by running back Deuce McAllister
Deuce McAllister
Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
's 2-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Lions would answer with running back Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (running back)
Kevin Smith is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Central Florida.-Early years:Smith attended Southridge High School...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, yet the Saints would answer with running back Mike Bell's 1-yard touchdown run, followed by running back Pierre Thomas
Pierre Thomas (American football)
Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :...
's 2-yard touchdown run. New Orleans would close out the game's scoring with quarterback Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 6-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
.
With the win, the Saints improved to 8-7.
Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers
Coming off their road win over the Lions, the Saints closed out their season at home in a Week 17 NFC South rematch with the Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
. New Orleans would trail early in the first quarter as Panthers kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
got a 45-yard and a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints would respond as rookie kicker Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
made a 21-yard field goal, yet Carolina answered with Kasay's 34-yard field goal, quarterback Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
's 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
, and cornerback Dante Wesley
Dante Wesley
Dante Julius Wesley is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
's 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown. New Orleans would close out the half with quarterback Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completing a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
.
The Panthers would add on to their lead in the third quarter as running back Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the Saints rallied to take the lead as Brees completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
, along with a 9-yard and a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. However, Carolina took the lead for good as Kasay nailed the game-winning 42-yard field goal.
With the loss, New Orleans ended their season at 8-8.
Despite falling 16 yards shy of surpassing Dan Marino
Dan Marino
Daniel Constantine "Dan" Marino, Jr. is a retired American football quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League...
for the most single-season passing yards, Brees (30/49 for 386 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) would join Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw for 5,000+ yards in a season (5,069).
Passing
| Player | G | QB Rat. | Comp. | Att. | Pct. | Yards | TD | INT | Long | Sack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Brees Drew Brees Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.... |
16 | 96.2 | 413 | 635 | 65.0 | 5069 | 34 | 17 | 84 | 13 |
| Lance Moore Lance Moore Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Rushing
| Player | Att. | Yards | Avg. | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reggie Bush Reggie Bush Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
106 | 404 | 3.8 | 43 | 2 |
| Deuce McAllister Deuce McAllister Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft... |
107 | 418 | 3.9 | 19 | 5 |
| Pierre Thomas Pierre Thomas (American football) Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :... |
129 | 625 | 4.8 | 42 | 9 |
| Drew Brees Drew Brees Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue.... |
22 | -1 | 0.0 | 9 | 0 |
| Aaron Stecker Aaron Stecker Aaron Stecker is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Western Illinois.... |
8 | 43 | 5.4 | 12 | 0 |
| Mike Karney Mike Karney Michael John Mario Karney is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
8 | 10 | 1.3 | 3 | 2 |
| Mike Bell | 13 | 42 | 3.2 | 15 | 1 |
| Devery Henderson Devery Henderson -New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November... |
4 | 33 | 8.3 | 30 | 0 |
| Robert Meachem Robert Meachem Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... |
1 | 20 | 20.0 | 20 | 1 |
Receiving
| Player | Rec. | Yards | Avg. | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reggie Bush Reggie Bush Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
52 | 440 | 8.5 | 42 | 4 |
| Lance Moore Lance Moore Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
79 | 928 | 11.7 | 70 | 10 |
| Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Charles Shockey is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants 14th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft... |
50 | 483 | 9.7 | 26 | 0 |
| Devery Henderson Devery Henderson -New Orleans Saints:On November 5, 2006, Devery had his best day as a professional in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught 3 passes for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Henderson had 158 receiving yards on 5 catches, including a 76 yard touchdown, against the Atlanta Falcons on November... |
32 | 793 | 24.8 | 84 | 3 |
| David Patten David Patten David Patten is a former American football wide receiver. He was signed by the Albany Firebirds as a street free agent in 1996. He played college football at Western Carolina.... |
11 | 162 | 14.7 | 39 | 1 |
| Mark Campbell Mark Campbell Mark Joseph Campbell is a former American Football tight end who played for ten seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns from 1999–2002, the Buffalo Bills from 2003–2005, and the New Orleans Saints from 2006–2008. He was signed by the Browns as an... |
12 | 121 | 10.1 | 29 | 2 |
| Robert Meachem Robert Meachem Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... |
12 | 289 | 24.1 | 74 | 3 |
| Billy Miller Billy Miller Billy RoShawn Miller is a retired American football tight end won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
45 | 579 | 12.9 | 41 | 1 |
| Pierre Thomas Pierre Thomas (American football) Charles Pierre Thomas Jr. is an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League.- Early years :... |
31 | 284 | 9.2 | 24 | 3 |
| Mike Karney Mike Karney Michael John Mario Karney is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
9 | 18 | 2.0 | 7 | 0 |
| Marques Colston Marques Colston Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of... |
47 | 760 | 16.2 | 70 | 5 |
| Deuce McAllister Deuce McAllister Dulymus Jenod "Deuce" McAllister is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft... |
18 | 128 | 7.1 | 20 | 1 |
| Olaniyi Sobomehin Olaniyi Sobomehin Olaniyi "Nee" Sobomehin [OH-la-nee-yee Shuh-BO-muh-heen] is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Portland State... |
2 | 8 | 4.0 | 10 | 0 |
| Aaron Stecker Aaron Stecker Aaron Stecker is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Western Illinois.... |
9 | 52 | 5.8 | 12 | 1 |
| Sean Ryan | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 5 | 0 |
| Buck Ortega Buck Ortega Buck Ortega is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Miami.... |
1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Mike Bell | 1 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
Place Kicking
| Player | 1-19 A | 1-19 M | 20-29 A | 20-29 M | 30-39 A | 30-39 M | 40-49 A | 40-49 M | +50 A | +50 M | LNG | TOT | PCT | XPM/A | XP PCT | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martín Gramática Martin Gramatica Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 53 | 6/10 | 60% | 16/16 | 100% | 34 |
| Taylor Mehlhaff Taylor Mehlhaff Taylor Mehlhaff is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.... |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 3/4 | 75% | 9/10 | 90% | 18 |
| Garrett Hartley Garrett Hartley Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 13/13 | 100% | 28/28 | 100% | 67 |
Punting
| Player | Punt | Yards | Avg. | In20 | TB | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Weatherford Steve Weatherford Steven "Steve" Thomas Weatherford is an American football punter for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2006... |
26 | 1094 | 42.1 | 5 | 3 | 61 |
| Ben Graham | 3 | 126 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 44 |
| Glenn Pakulak Glenn Pakulak Glenn Adam Pakulak, Jr. is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2003... |
24 | 1144 | 47.7 | 3 | 2 | 70 |