2009 New Orleans Saints season
Encyclopedia
The 2009
New Orleans Saints
season
is the franchise's
43rd season in the National Football League
(NFL) and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV
. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the National Football Conference
(NFC)'s southern division
from 2008
. As a result, the Saints returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. For head coach
Sean Payton
, this was his fourth season with the franchise, commanding a club overall record of 36–24. After becoming 8–0 with their win over the Carolina Panthers
on November 8, it marked the Saints' best start to a season in its franchise history. They would go on to set the record for the longest undefeated season opening (13–0) by an NFC team since the AFL–NFL merger, eclipsing the previous record (12–0) held by the 1985 Chicago Bears
.
Although losing the last three games of the season to finish 13–3, the team clinched a playoff
berth, a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and (for the first time in Saints franchise history) the top seed in the NFC. The Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals
in the NFC Divisional playoffs, and proceeded to host the NFC Championship Game
for the first time in franchise history. There, they defeated the Minnesota Vikings
to face the Indianapolis Colts
at Super Bowl XLIV in the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl
appearance, which they won to give the city of New Orleans its first world championship. The Saints are the first team to defeat 3 former Super Bowl winning quarterbacks in a row in the playoffs to win the Super Bowl.
Although five Saints were elected to the Pro Bowl
(with two others added as injury replacements), since the game
was held one week prior to Super Bowl XLIV, they did not participate.
. New Orleans would get off to a fast start in the first quarter as quarterback Drew Brees
completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
and a 39-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem
. The Lions would answer with kicker Jason Hanson
getting a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Detroit came closer as running back Kevin Smith
got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Saints would reply with Brees completing a 1-yard and a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeremy Shockey
.
The Lions tried to catch up in the third quarter as quarterback Matthew Stafford
got a 1-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans answered with kicker John Carney making a 39-yard field goal. Detroit would respond with Hanson nailing a 24-yard field goal, while the Saints kept pounding away as Brees completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devery Henderson
. The Lions would close out the period with safety Louis Delmas
returning a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans closed out the game as Brees completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to fullback Heath Evans
.
With the win, not only did the Saints begin their season at 1–0, but Brees (26-of-34, 358 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT) became the very first quarterback to throw 6 TD passes in an opening day game, as well as tying Billy Kilmer's franchise record for touchdown passes in a game.
for a Week 2 duel with the Philadelphia Eagles
. In the first quarter, New Orleans drew first blood as quarterback Drew Brees
completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
. The Eagles answered with quarterback Kevin Kolb
(in his first start as the Eagles' quarterback) completing a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeSean Jackson
, yet the Saints replied with kicker John Carney making a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Philadelphia tied the game as kicker David Akers
got a 23-yard field goal. New Orleans answered with Brees completing a 25-yard touchdown pass to Colston. The Eagles closed out the half as Akers made a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints began to take command as Brees completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to fullback Heath Evans
, along with running back Mike Bell getting a 7-yard touchdown run and Carney nailing a 25-yard field goal. The Eagles answered with Kolb completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Avant
. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans kept up its domination as running back Reggie Bush
got a 19-yard touchdown. Philadelphia drove to the Saints' 5 yard line but could not score and the drive ended on downs; the Saints were then unable to move the ball, and rather than punting out of their own end zone, they opted to have Brees throw the ball out of the end zone for an intentional safety. After the ensuing free kick, the Eagles again drove deep into Saints territory, but again failed to score, as Kolb threw an interception which safety Darren Sharper
returned 97 yards for a touchdown.
With the win, the Saints improved to 2–0.
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Buffalo Bills
. New Orleans would make an immediate impact in the first quarter with running back Lynell Hamilton's 1-yard touchdown run. The Bills would answer in the second quarter when a fake field goal attempt, punter Brian Moorman
would complete a 25-yard touchdown pass to defensive end Ryan Denney
. The Saints would close out the half with kicker John Carney's 27-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, New Orleans would take control in the fourth quarter with running back Pierre Thomas
' 34-yard touchdown run, Carney's 35-yard field goal, and Thomas' 19-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Saints improved to 3–0.
. New Orleans would deliver the game's first points as kicker John Carney got a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the defense went to work. Safety Darren Sharper
would return an interception 99 yards for a touchdown, followed by defensive end Will Smith forcing an endzone fumble by sacking Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez
, which allowed defensive tackle Remi Ayodele
to land on the ball for a touchdown. Afterwards, New York closed out the half with kicker Jay Feely
's 38-yard field goal.
The Jets would begin a comeback attempt in the third quarter with running back Thomas Jones getting a 15-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the Saints would close out the game with running back Pierre Thomas' 1-yard touchdown and the defense making an impressive stand.
With the win, New Orleans would enter its bye week at 4–0.
. New Orleans' offense would roar out of the gates in the first quarter with running back Mike Bell's 2-yard touchdown run and quarterback Drew Brees
' 1-yard touchdown pass to former Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey
. New York would then close out the opening quarter with a 49-yard field goal from kicker Lawrence Tynes
. The Saints' high-powered offense continued to heat up in the second quarter as Brees completed a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem
. The Giants would try to keep up as running back Ahmad Bradshaw
got a 10-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans answered with Brees hooking up with wide receiver Lance Moore
on a 12-yard touchdown run. New York continued to stay persistent as quarterback Eli Manning
completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham
, yet the Saints closed out the half with a 7-yard touchdown run from running back Reggie Bush
.
New Orleans would solidify its lead in the third quarter with Brees finding wide receiver Marques Colston
on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Giants opened the fourth quarter with Tynes booting a 38-yard field goal, yet the Saints ended its dominating run with fullback Heath Evans
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. New York would then close out the game's scoring with quarterback David Carr
completing a 37-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks
.
With the win, New Orleans improved to 5–0.
scoring on runs of 4 and 68 yards, and Ronnie Brown
added a touchdown run of 8 yards in the second quarter. Despite being behind for the first time in the season, the Saints gained momentum when Drew Brees scored on a quarterback sneak to end the first half and cap a 1:36 drive of 51 yards.
In the second half, the Saints scored on a 42 yard interception return by Darren Sharper in the third, but Dan Carpenter added a second field goal to push the lead back to ten points. The Saints responded with a 10 yard Brees-Colston connection, but Ricky Williams answered with another 4 yard rushing score to make the score 34–24. The Saints completed their comeback in the fourth quarter, first with Reggie Bush scoring on a reverse from 10 yards out, then with Brees scoring his second rush TD from 2. Though John Carney missed the extra point, he later hit a field goal from 20 yards, and Tracy Porter sealed the comeback with a 54 yard interception return. The Saints outscored Miami 22–0 in the fourth quarter, and 36–10 for the second half.
The Saints improved to 6–0 with the win.
on Monday night. New Orleans would initially trail in the first quarter as Falcons running back Michael Turner got a 13-yard touchdown run, yet the Saints answered with running back Pierre Thomas
getting a 22-yard touchdown run. Atlanta would come right back as quarterback Drew Brees
was sacked by free safety Thomas DeCoud
, causing him to fumble and allow defensive end Kroy Biermann
to return the ball 4 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, New Orleans would go on a rampage with Brees' 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marques Colston
, running back Reggie Bush
's 1-yard touchdown run, and cornerback Jabari Greer
's 48-yard interception return for a touchdown.
However, the Falcons began to get back into the game with quarterback Matt Ryan
finding wide receiver Roddy White
on a 68-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, followed by kicker Jason Elam
booting a 25-yard field goal. Fortunately, cornerback Tracy Porter
's key interception (helped from linebacker Jonathan Vilma's tip) lead to Brees finding Thomas on a 1-yard touchdown pass. Even though Atlanta crept closer with Elam nailing a 40-yard field goal and recovering an onside kick, free safety Darren Sharper
's interception sealed the tight victory.
With the win, the Saints improved to 7–0 (tying their best start in 1991).
. New Orleans would trail in the first quarter as Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams
got a 66-yard and a 7-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Saints got on the board with a 23-yard field goal from kicker John Carney. Carolina would reply with kicker John Kasay
getting a 32-yard field goal, yet New Orleans would close out the half with Carney's 25-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints crept closer with a 10-yard touchdown by running back Pierre Thomas
. The Panthers would reply with Kasay nailing a 25-yard field goal, yet New Orleans would close out the period with quarterback Drew Brees
' 54-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem
. Afterwards, the Saints took command in the fourth quarter as Carney booted a 40-yard field goal, followed by defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove
forcing Williams into a fumble and recovering it for a 1-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Saints improved to 8–0, which is the team's best start in franchise history.
for a Week 10 duel with the St. Louis Rams
. After a scoreless first quarter, New Orleans got the game's inaugural points in the second quarter with running back Reggie Bush
getting a 3-yard touchdown run. The Rams would respond with quarterback Marc Bulger
completing a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donnie Avery
. New Orleans would answer with quarterback Drew Brees
hooking up with Bush on a 15-yard touchdown pass, yet St. Louis would close out the half with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Steven Jackson
.
The Saints would begin the third quarter with wide receiver Courtney Roby
returning the second half's opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The Rams would stay close with kicker Josh Brown nailing a 32-yard field goal. New Orleans would extend their lead in the fourth quarter Brees finding wide receiver Robert Meachem
on a 27-yard touchdown pass. St. Louis tried to catch up as Bulger found Avery again on a 19-yard touchdown pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet the defense prevented the Rams from getting any closer.
With the win, the Saints improved to 9–0.
for a Week 11 duel against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
. After a quick first quarter Tampa Bay touchdown from rookie quarterback Josh Freeman
to Micheal Clayton to cap a 95-yard drive, the Bucs showed how the Saints struggled defensively. The Bucs looked to improve on their next drive by moving the ball with running backs Carnell Williams and Ernest Graham. The Saints would answer defensively as they took advantage of numerous mistakes by rookie Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman.
Drew Brees passed for 187 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Robert Meacham for a 4-yard touchdown catch and a 6-yard touchdown catch, and to tight end David Thomas for a 11-yard touchdown. Pressure on the young Freeman from the Saints forced him to throw 3-interceptions and a fumble, allowing the Saints to take more control during the second half. The Saints would close out the game in the with two scores from running back Mike Bell from 3 yards and one yard out.
With the win, the Saints improved to 10–0.
On the Pats first play of the third quarter, Scott Fujita forced Maroney to fumble, and Sedrick Ellis recovered the ball. However, Maroney forced Ellis to fumble, and Wes Welker recovered the ball on the New England 19. Brady then drove New England downfield, including a 47 yarder to Randy Moss, and Maroney scored his second rush TD from two yards. On the next offensive play, Marques Colston turns a 10 yard catch into a 68 yard gain to the Patriots 6, and New Orleans gets another touchdown via a two yard catch by backup TE Darnell Dinkins. In the fourth quarter, Brees hits Colston from 20 yards for his 5th passing TD of the game, and the game was sealed when Sharper got his 8th interception of the year, and Brady is pulled with 5:28 to go, replaced by backup Brad Hoyer.
With the win, the Saints improve to 11–0. Drew Brees completed 18 of 23 passes for a season-high 371 yards, five touchdowns and his first-ever perfect passer rating of 158.3, and became the first to throw 5 TDs against a Bill Belichick-coached team.
The television broadcast of the game on ESPN
's Monday Night Football
was the second-most-watched cable telecast of all time.
, the Saints traveled to FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland
for a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Redskins
. In the 1st quarter, the Redskins scored first with Jason Campbell
throwing an 8-yard touchdown to Fred Davis
. Shaun Suisham
then kicked a 32-yard field goal to go up 10–0. In the 2nd quarter, the Saints finally scored with a Garrett Hartley
34-yard field goal. After a defensive stance, Drew Brees
threw a 40-yard touchdown to Marques Colston
which tied the game 10–10. The Redskins retook the lead with Jason Campbell connecting with Devin Thomas
for a 10-yard touchdown. With the Saints now down 17–10, Brees and the Saints attempted to drive the field. Brees’ pass attempt to Jeremy Shockey
was intercepted by Kareem Moore
. Robert Meachem
then ran into Moore, stripped the football, and returned it for a 44-yard touchdown.
In the 3rd quarter, the Redskins kicker Suisham made a 28-yard field goal. The Redskins then extended their lead with Devin Thomas catching a 13-yard touchdown pass from Campbell. The Saints’ Hartley made a 27-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter, Shaun Suisham and Garrett Hartley traded field goals. After an ill-advised field goal miss from 23 yards by Shaun Suisham, the Saints, only down by 7 points, now had the opportunity to tie the game. Drew Brees and the Saints offense drove the field in 5 plays, in 33 seconds and capped the drive with a 53-yard touchdown pass to Robert Meachem to tie the game 30–30 at the end of regulation. The Saints completed the comeback with Garrett Hartley’s 18-yard field goal for the first lead in the game and the win 33–30 in overtime
.
With the win, the Saints improved to 12–0 and clinched the NFC South title. Their 12 wins also tied a single-season franchise record set in the 1987 and 1992 seasons.
The second half looked promising for the Saints but RB Reggie Bush fumbled and recovered the ball. RB Reggie Bush would redeem his performance on the next play with a 21 yard screen pass from Drew Brees to put the Saint up 23–9. Atlanta would make a run and wear down the Saints defense when Michael Jenkins caught a 50 yard touchdown pass from Chris Redman to move within a touchdown. Jason Snelling would add a 4 yard touchdown run to tie the game at 23. Late in the fourth quarter, the Saints would have a chance to get the lead back with a Garrett Hartley 38 yard field goal. The Saints got a break when Jonathan Vilma intercepted a Chris Redman pass to give the Saints a chance to increase the lead. The Saints would move the ball but only settle for a fake field goal that failed. The results continued in doubt for the Saints until Vilma came up with another defensive fourth-down hit on RB Jason Snelling. Stopping him a yard short of the marker with just over a minute remaining, the Saints' defense came up big but gave up 392 yards. Drew Brees threw for 296 yards for the season and threw for more than 30,000 yards in his career.He also added three touchdowns for the season and tied a club record with 120 in his Saints career. RB Reggie Bush had 47 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards and two touchdowns added for the season.
The Saints won 26–23. With the win, they improved to 13–0, clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs
.
In the third quarter, Dallas scored the period's only points when running back Marion Barber got a 2-yard TD run. An exciting fourth quarter ensued. New Orleans got the first score of the period when running back Mike Bell scored from one yard out to make a 24–10 Dallas lead. Following a Dallas three-and-out, New Orleans made it a one touchdown game when quarterback Drew Brees hit wide receiver Lance Moore for a 7-yard TD pass. Dallas then marched down the field to the Saints' eight-yard line, but then kicker Nick Folk's potential game-icing 24-yard field goal hit the right goalpost and went no good, setting up another fourth quarter comeback for the Saints. However, unlike in such games against Washington and Atlanta, quarterback Drew Brees was sacked with 10 seconds left in the contest at the Dallas 48-yard line, forcing a fumble for the second time in the game by Dallas' DeMarcus Ware, which was then recovered by nose tackle Jay Ratliff. The Cowboys then took a knee to end the game.
With the loss, the Saints fell to 13–1, ending their chance at a perfect season
.
, to tie the game at 17. As time expired, Garrett Hartley
attempted a 37 yard field goal that would have salvaged the game for the Saints, but the kick hooked left. In overtime, Tampa Bay won the coin toss, received the kickoff, and drove down the field to win the game with a field goal, for a final score of 20–17.
With the disappointing loss, the Saints fell to 13–2, and appeared to be at risk of losing homefield advantage in the playoffs to the Vikings. However, the Vikings lost in overtime to the Chicago Bears in Week 16's Monday night game, and the Saints clinched the top seed in the NFC.
Game Notes: Mark Brunell was dismal completing 15 of his 29 attempts for 102 yards, 1 interception and a passer rating of 45.5. This marks the first time this season that the Saints did not have a productive quarterback, receiver or running back. This marks the second time the Saints have allowed a Carolina running back to run for over 100 yards in a game (DeAngelo Williams 149 yards week 9 & Jonathan Stewart 128 yards week 17). Sitting out allowed Drew Brees to break the NFL record for completion percentage in a season with 70.60, beating the previous NFL record of 70.55 by Ken Anderson of Cincinnati set in 1982. The Saints have home-field throughout the national football conference playoffs.
. New Orleans would immediately trail in the first quarter as Cardinals running back Tim Hightower
ran for a 70-yard touchdown. The Saints would greatly respond with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Lynell Hamilton
, quarterback Drew Brees
finding tight end Jeremy Shockey
on a 17-yard touchdown pass, and running back Reggie Bush
's 54-yard touchdown run. Arizona would reply in the second quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Chris "Beanie" Wells. Afterwards, New Orleans struck again as Brees found wide receiver Devery Henderson
on a 44-yard touchdown pass, followed by wide receiver Marques Colston
for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
In the third quarter, the Saints continued their offensive day as kicker Garrett Hartley
kicked a 43-yard field goal, followed by Bush's 83-yard punt return for a touchdown. For the rest of the game, New Orleans' defense took control and shut down the Cardinal's offense.
With the win, the Saints advanced to the NFC Championship Game
for the second time in franchise history.
against the #2 Minnesota Vikings
. New Orleans would initially trail in the first quarter as Vikings running back Adrian Peterson got a 19-yard touchdown run, yet the Saints responded with quarterback Drew Brees
hooking up with running back Pierre Thomas
on a 38-yard touchdown pass. However, Minnesota would answer with quarterback Brett Favre
completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sidney Rice
. New Orleans would tie the game again in the second quarter with Brees finding wide receiver Devery Henderson
on a 9-yard touchdown pass.
The Saints would take the lead in the third quarter with Thomas' 9-yard touchdown run, but the Vikings would tie the game with a 1-yard touchdown run from Peterson. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans would regain the lead as Brees found running back Reggie Bush
on a 5-yard touchdown pass, yet Minnesota would tie again with Peterson's 2-yard touchdown run. A key interception late in 4th quarter by Tracy Porter
stopped what could have been Minnesota's game winning drive, leading to overtime. In overtime, the Saints came out on top as kicker Garrett Hartley
booted the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did the Saints improve their overall record to 15–3, but they would advance to their very first Super Bowl
in franchise history.
Kicking off the second half, the Saints caught Indy by surprise with the "Ambush" play (an onside kick in kickoff formation), which the Saints recovered, shifting the momentum to them. Pierre Thomas caught a 16 yard screen pass from Drew Brees and NO had their first lead of the game, 13–10 after the extra point. The Colts would not be denied from scoring again with the rushing attack of Joseph Addai, capping off the scoring drive with a 4-yard run. From here, however, the Colts would be denied. The Saints still stood by Hartley to keep the game close with a 47 yard field goal, taking the score to 17–16. In the fourth quarter, Jeremy Shockey caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees with Lance Moore catching a two-point conversion and the Saints led 24–17. In the end, it was the defense that came through when Tracy Porter intercepted and returned 74 yards for a touchdown to seal the win and the first Super Bowl title for the New Orleans Saints in their 44 year existence.
2009 NFL season
The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at...
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
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
is the franchise's
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 ....
43rd season 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) and the most successful in franchise history in which they won Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion New Orleans Saints to decide the National Football League champion for the 2009 season. The Saints defeated the Colts by a score of...
. The Saints recorded a franchise record 13 victories, an improvement on their 8–8 record and fourth place finish in the National Football Conference
National Football Conference
The National Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the American Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL.-Current teams:Since 2002, the NFC has comprised 16 teams,...
(NFC)'s southern division
NFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
from 2008
2008 New Orleans Saints season
The 2008 New Orleans Saints season is the 42nd season for the team in the National Football League . The Saints entered the season in an attempt improve their 7-9 record from the 2007 season.-Pre-season:-Regular season:...
. As a result, the Saints returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. For head coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
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...
, this was his fourth season with the franchise, commanding a club overall record of 36–24. After becoming 8–0 with their win over the Carolina Panthers
2009 Carolina Panthers season
The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:...
on November 8, it marked the Saints' best start to a season in its franchise history. They would go on to set the record for the longest undefeated season opening (13–0) by an NFC team since the AFL–NFL merger, eclipsing the previous record (12–0) held by the 1985 Chicago Bears
1985 Chicago Bears season
The 1985 Chicago Bears season was their 66th regular season and 16th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 15-1 record, earning them the top seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Bears defeated their three post season opponents by a combined score of 91-10 en...
.
Although losing the last three games of the season to finish 13–3, the team clinched a playoff
2009–10 NFL playoffs
The National Football League playoffs for the 2009 season began on January 9, 2010 and led up to Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida...
berth, a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and (for the first time in Saints franchise history) the top seed in the NFC. The Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals
2009 Arizona Cardinals season
The 2009 Arizona Cardinals season is the 90th season for the team in the National Football League and the 22nd season in Arizona. The Cardinals finished the season with a 10–6 record, an improvement from their 9–7 previous season record and the first time the team has won ten games since 1976 The...
in the NFC Divisional playoffs, and proceeded to host the NFC Championship Game
NFC Championship Game
The National Football Conference Championship Game is one of the two semi-final playoff matches of the National Football League, the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January and determines the champion of the...
for the first time in franchise history. There, they defeated the Minnesota Vikings
2009 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2009 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 49th season in the NFL. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008; it was the first time that they had retained a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978...
to face the Indianapolis Colts
2009 Indianapolis Colts season
The 2009 Indianapolis Colts season was the 57th season for the team in the National Football League and the 26th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not have Tony Dungy on their coaching staff, due to his retirement from coaching...
at Super Bowl XLIV in the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
appearance, which they won to give the city of New Orleans its first world championship. The Saints are the first team to defeat 3 former Super Bowl winning quarterbacks in a row in the playoffs to win the Super Bowl.
Although five Saints were elected to the Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
(with two others added as injury replacements), since the game
2010 Pro Bowl
The 2010 AFC–NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2009 season. It took place at 8:00 PM EST on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins and host site of Super Bowl XLIV...
was held one week prior to Super Bowl XLIV, they did not participate.
Staff changes
- Bill Johnson was named the defensive line coach.
- Gary GibbsGary Gibbs-External links:*...
was replaced by Gregg WilliamsGregg WilliamsGregg Williams is the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints and the former head coach of the Buffalo Bills. Considered one of the most respected defensive minds in the game, Williams is known for running aggressive, attacking 4-3 schemes that put heavy pressure on opposing...
as the defensive coordinatorDefensive coordinatorA defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
on January 15, 2009 after Gibbs was released on January 7, 2009. - On January 12, 2009, Pete Carmichael, Jr.Pete Carmichael, Jr.Pete Carmichael, Jr. is the current offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. Carmichael was named offensive coordinator January 12, 2009, replacing Doug Marrone who was hired as the Syracuse Orange head football coach. Carmichael grew up in Medway, MA.-References:...
replaced Doug MarroneDoug MarroneDouglas Charles Marrone is an American football coach. He currently serves as head coach of the Syracuse University Orange, replacing Greg Robinson...
as the offensive coordinatorOffensive coordinatorAn offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
after Marrone had resigned from his position in December 2008; Aaron KromerAaron KromerAaron Kromer is the current running backs coach for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL.He coached the 2000 Northwestern football camp.-References:...
was named the offensive line coach/running game, and as a result, Bret Ingalls replaced him as the running backs coach; Joe Lombardi was named the quarterbacks coach.
Signings
| Pos. | Player | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB | Jabari Greer Jabari Greer Jabari Amin Greer is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Tennessee.... |
March 4, 2009 | |
| FB | Heath Evans Heath Evans Bryan Heath Evans is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft... |
March 5, 2009 | |
| DL | Paul Spicer Paul Spicer Paul Spicer is a former defensive end who spent the majority of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998... |
March 17, 2009 | |
| C | Nick Leckey Nick Leckey Nicholas Nathan Leckey is a free agent American football center in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State University.Leckey has played for the New Orleans Saints, St... |
March 17, 2009 | |
| TE | Darnell Dinkins Darnell Dinkins Darnell Joseph Dinkins is an American football tight end for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2001... |
March 18, 2009 | |
| S | Darren Sharper Darren Sharper Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary.... |
March 18, 2009 | |
| S | Pierson Prioleau Pierson Prioleau Pierson Olin Prioleau [PEER-sun PRAY-low] is an American football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech... |
March 26, 2009 | |
| DT | Roderick Coleman | March 27, 2009 | |
| LB | Anthony Waters Anthony Waters Anthony D. Waters is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.-College career:Waters attended Clemson University for college... |
April 15, 2009 | |
| DB | Malcolm Jenkins Malcolm Jenkins -New Orleans Saints:Jenkins was the first cornerback to be taken by the Saints in the first round since Oregon's Alex Molden went at No. 11 in the 1996 NFL Draft. On August 9, 2009 the Saints agreed to terms with Jenkins on a five-year, $19 million contract.... |
April 25, 2009 | #14 overall 2009 NFL Draft pick |
| S | Chip Vaughn Chip Vaughn Clarence B. "Chip" Vaughn is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
April 26, 2009 | #116 overall 2009 NFL Draft pick |
| LB | Stanley Arnoux Stanley Arnoux Stanley Arnoux is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest.... |
April 26, 2009 | #118 overall 2009 NFL Draft pick |
| P | Thomas Morstead Thomas Morstead Thomas Morstead is an American football punter. He was a fifth-round draft choice of the New Orleans Saints, 164th overall, in the 2009 NFL Draft. He was the second punter taken overall. He played college football at SMU... |
April 26, 2009 | #164th overall 2009 NFL Draft pick, acquired as part of a pick trade with the Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
| DT | Anthony Hargrove Anthony Hargrove Anthony La'Ron Hargrove is an American football defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech.Hargrove has also played for the Buffalo Bills as... |
May 18, 2009 | |
| 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... |
January 15, 2010 | Resigned to active roster and named honorary team captain. |
Departures
| Pos. | Player | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.... |
February 12, 2009 | Placed on waived-injured list |
| 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... |
February 17, 2009 | Placed on waived-injured list |
| CB | Mike McKenzie | March 19, 2009 | Placed on waived-injured list |
| DT | Brian Young Brian Young (American football) Brian Young is a former American football defensive tackle who played for the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints of the National Football League... |
April 28, 2009 | Placed on waived-injured list |
| DT | Hollis Thomas Hollis Thomas Hollis Thomas, Jr. is a defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Northern Illinois.... |
April 29, 2009 | Placed on waived-injured list |
| 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... |
January 19, 2010 | Retires from football and placed on reserve-retired list |
Final roster
| New Orleans Saints 2009 final roster | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Jermon Bushrod Jermon Bushrod is an American football offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League . He was the Saints' starting left tackle in the team's successful run to the Super Bowl XLIV Championship... T Jahri Evans -New Orleans Saints:Evans was signed to a three-year contract by the Saints on July 25, 2006. He emerged as a consistent performer in training camp and preseason, and won the starting job after the projected starter, Jermane Mayberry, was injured in training camp and ultimately retired. In his... G Jonathan Goodwin (American football) Jonathan Scott Goodwin is an American football center for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft... C Nick Leckey Nicholas Nathan Leckey is a free agent American football center in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State University.Leckey has played for the New Orleans Saints, St... C Jamar Nesbit Jamar Kendric Nesbit is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at South Carolina... G Carl Nicks (American football) Carl Nicks, Jr. is an offensive guard for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft... G Jon Stinchcomb Jon Stinchcomb is a former American football offensive tackle who played eight seasons in the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints... T Zach Strief Zachary David Strief is an American football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Saints in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He lived in Milford, Ohio where he played for his varsity football team, the Milford Eagles... T Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Jonathan Casillas Jonathan Casillas is a NFL linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. He went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, but was later signed as a free agent... OLB Troy Evans Troy Evans is an American football linebacker and special teams player who is currently a free agent. Evans previously played for the St... OLB Scott Fujita Scott Anthony Fujita is an American football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft... OLB Marvin Mitchell Marvin Mitchell is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft... ILB Scott Shanle -St. Louis Rams:Shanle made his NFL debut against the New York Giants on September 7, 2003. He also saw special teams action in six games for St. Louis. He was waived by the Rams on December 9, 2003.-Dallas Cowboys:... OLB Anthony Waters Anthony D. Waters is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.-College career:Waters attended Clemson University for college... OLB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Stanley Arnoux Stanley Arnoux is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest.... ILB (IR)  Jammal Brown -New Orleans Saints:He was selected to attend the 2006 Pro Bowl alongside the player he protects, quarterback Drew Brees, after anchoring the line that got the Saints to the NFC Championship Game. Brown's prototypical size at left tackle makes him good at both run and pass blocking. He led the... OT (IR) Dan Campbell Daniel Allen Campbell is a former American football tight end and currently a tight ends coach for the Miami Dolphins. He played tight end for four teams in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at... TE (IR) Kendrick Clancy Lakendrick Tridel Clancy is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 and has also played for the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints... DT (IR) Heath Evans Bryan Heath Evans is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft... FB (IR) 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... DE (IR) Rod Harper Rod Harper is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2008... WR (IR) Reggie Jones (cornerback, born 1986) Reggie Jones is an American football cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints. In the middle of the 2011 season he was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He played college football at Portland... CB (IR) Rodney Leisle Rodney Allen Leisle is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He attended Ridgeview High School in Bakersfield, California and played college football at UCLA... DT (IR) Marcus Mailei Marcus Anthony Mailei is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2009... FB (IR) 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... TE (IR) Mark Simoneau Mark Lee Simoneau is a former American football linebacker who played for ten seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Kansas State and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played for the Falcons from 2000–2002, before he was... ILB (IR) Leigh Torrence Leigh Torrence is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2005... CB (IR) Chip Vaughn Clarence B. "Chip" Vaughn is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft... FS (IR) D'Juan Woods D'Juan Woods is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Oklahoma State.... WR (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics 53 Active, 16 Inactive, 8 PS |
|||
Depth chart
Coaching staff
| New Orleans Saints 2009 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
Coaching Assistants
|
|||||
Preseason
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | Friday, Aug. 14 | 7:00pm CDT | Cincinnati Bengals 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and their 42nd overall. They finished the season at 10–6–0, and sweeping the entire AFC North division, they improved on their 2008 record of 4–11–1, winning the AFC North Division and making the... |
W 17–7 | 1–0 | 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... |
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=54730&season=2008&displayPage=tab_gamecenter |
| 2 | Saturday, Aug. 22 | 7:00pm CDT | at Houston Texans 2009 Houston Texans season The 2009 Houston Texans season is the 8th season for the team in the National Football League. The Texans improved upon their 8–8 record in 2008, claimed their first winning season in franchise history, and 4 straight heartbreaking division losses came back to haunt them, as they narrowly missed... |
W 38–14 | 2–0 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
KTRK-TV KTRK-TV KTRK-TV, channel 13, is an owned-and-operated television station of the Walt Disney Company-owned American Broadcasting Company, located in Houston, Texas... |
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=54750&season=2008&displayPage=tab_gamecenter |
| 3 | Saturday, Aug. 29 | 3:00pm CDT | at Oakland Raiders 2009 Oakland Raiders season The 2009 Oakland Raiders season is the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. On September 6, 2009, The Raiders traded a 2011 draft pick to the New England Patriots for 5x Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman Richard Seymour. With their loss to Dallas on November... |
W 45–7 | 3–0 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | Local | http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009082952/2009/PRE3/saints@raiders |
| 4 | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:00pm CDT | Miami Dolphins 2009 Miami Dolphins season The 2009 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 40th season in the National Football League and 44th overall. The Dolphins entered the 2009 season as the reigning AFC East champions after posting an 11–5 record in 2008... |
L 10–7 | 3–1 | Louisiana Superdome | ||
Schedule
The Saints' regular season schedule was released on April 14, 2009.| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL.com Recap | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||||
| 1 | September 13 | 12:00pm CDT | Detroit Lions 2009 Detroit Lions season The 2009 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 80th season overall in the National Football League. The Lions spent the whole season at the bottom of their division and finished at 2–14. The 2009 season was the first season with the Lions for new head coach Jim Schwartz, and most of his new... |
W 45–27 | 1–0 | 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... |
Recap | |
| 2 | September 20 | 12:00pm CDT | at Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season was the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. After advancing to their fifth NFC Championship game in eight years, the Eagles improved upon their 9–6–1 record and second-place finish in the NFC East in their 2008 campaign... |
W 48–22 | 2–0 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 3 | September 27 | 3:05pm CDT | at Buffalo Bills 2009 Buffalo Bills season The 2009 Buffalo Bills season was the 50th Professional Football season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL... |
W 27–7 | 3–0 | Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 4 | October 4 | 3:05pm CDT | New York Jets 2009 New York Jets season The 2009 New York Jets season was the 50th season for the club and the 40th season in the National Football League and the last season at Giants Stadium. While they did not improve their 9–7 record from 2008, this time the team headed to the playoffs. The Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini on... |
W 24–10 | 4–0 | Louisiana Superdome | 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:... |
Recap | |
| 5 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
||||||||
| 6 | October 18 | 12:00pm CDT | New York Giants 2009 New York Giants season The 2009 New York Giants season was the 85th season for the team in the National Football League. It was the team's final season in Giants Stadium; In 2010, the Giants moved into New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants hoped to improve upon their 12–4 record, avenge their divisional round loss to the... |
W 48–27 | 5–0 | Louisiana Superdome | Fox | Recap | |
| 7 | October 25 | 3:15pm CDT | at Miami Dolphins 2009 Miami Dolphins season The 2009 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 40th season in the National Football League and 44th overall. The Dolphins entered the 2009 season as the reigning AFC East champions after posting an 11–5 record in 2008... |
W 46–34 | 6–0 | Landshark Stadium | Fox | Recap | |
| 8 | Nov. 2 (Monday) | 7:30pm CST | Atlanta Falcons 2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15... |
W 35–27 | 7–0 | Louisiana Superdome | 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... |
Recap | |
| 9 | November 8 | 3:05pm CST | Carolina Panthers 2009 Carolina Panthers season The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:... |
W 30–20 | 8–0 | Louisiana Superdome | Fox | Recap | |
| 10 | November 15 | 12:00pm CST | at St. Louis Rams 2009 St. Louis Rams season The 2009 St. Louis Rams season is the 72nd season for the St. Louis Rams, and the 15th in St. Louis. Due to the Rams winning only against the Detroit Lions, they finished with the NFL's worst record at 1–15, earning the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft in Steve Spagnuolo's first season... |
W 28–23 | 9–0 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
Fox | Recap | |
| 11 | November 22 | 12:00pm CST | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the... |
W 38–7 | 10–0 | 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 | Recap | |
| 12 | November 30 (Monday) | 7:30pm CST | New England Patriots 2009 New England Patriots season The 2009 New England Patriots season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and 50th season overall. They finished with a 10–6 record and a division title before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.... |
W 38–17 | 11–0 | Louisiana Superdome | ESPN | Recap | |
| 13 | December 6 | 12:00pm CST | at Washington Redskins 2009 Washington Redskins season The 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:... |
W 33–30 (OT) | 12–0 | FedEx Field | Fox | Recap | |
| 14 | December 13 | 12:00pm CST | at Atlanta Falcons 2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15... |
W 26–23 | 13–0 | 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 | Recap | |
| 15 | Dec. 19 (Saturday) | 7:20pm CST | Dallas Cowboys 2009 Dallas Cowboys season The 2009 Dallas Cowboys season is the 50th season for the team in the National Football League. It is the team's first season playing at Cowboys Stadium. Their victory over the Oakland Raiders on November 26 extended their Thanksgiving winning streak to four in a row and also ended a three game... |
L 24–17 | 13–1 | Louisiana Superdome | NFLN 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... |
Recap | |
| 16 | December 27 | 12:00pm CST | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the... |
L 20–17 (OT) | 13–2 | Louisiana Superdome | Fox | Recap | |
| 17 | January 3, 2010 | 12:00pm CST | at Carolina Panthers 2009 Carolina Panthers season The 2009 Carolina Panthers season was the 15th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve on their franchise-record 12–4 season in 2008 and also failed to make the playoffs.-2009 NFL Draft:-Trades:... |
L 23–10 | 13–3 | 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 | Recap | |
| NOTE: Division games are in bold text. | |||||||||
Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions
The Saints began their season with a Week 1 duel with the Detroit LionsDetroit 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 off to a fast start in the first quarter as 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....
completed a 9-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...
and a 39-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....
. The Lions would answer with kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
getting a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Detroit came closer as 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...
got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Saints would reply with Brees completing a 1-yard and a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end 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...
.
The Lions tried to catch up in the third quarter as quarterback Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford
John Matthew Stafford is an American football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Georgia....
got a 1-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans answered with kicker John Carney making a 39-yard field goal. Detroit would respond with Hanson nailing a 24-yard field goal, while the Saints kept pounding away as Brees completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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 Lions would close out the period with safety Louis Delmas
Louis Delmas
Louis Delmas is an American Football safety that plays for the Detroit Lions.-Early life and high school career:Delmas played high school football at North Miami Beach High School in North Miami Beach, Florida....
returning a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans closed out the game as Brees completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to fullback Heath Evans
Heath Evans
Bryan Heath Evans is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
.
With the win, not only did the Saints begin their season at 1–0, but Brees (26-of-34, 358 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT) became the very first quarterback to throw 6 TD passes in an opening day game, as well as tying Billy Kilmer's franchise record for touchdown passes in a game.
Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off their win over the Lions, the Saints flew to Lincoln Financial FieldLincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
for a Week 2 duel with the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, New Orleans drew first blood as 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....
completed a 15-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 Eagles answered with quarterback Kevin Kolb
Kevin Kolb
Kevin Benjamin Kolb is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston....
(in his first start as the Eagles' quarterback) completing a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson
Going to the 2008 NFL Draft Jackson was considered one of the top ten wide receivers available in a draft class littered with talented wide outs. The only knock on Jackson was his small frame, being measured at 5'9¾ " and just over 170 pounds. During the pre-draft period, Hall of Fame wide receiver...
, yet the Saints replied with kicker John Carney making a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Philadelphia tied the game as kicker David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
got a 23-yard field goal. New Orleans answered with Brees completing a 25-yard touchdown pass to Colston. The Eagles closed out the half as Akers made a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints began to take command as Brees completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to fullback Heath Evans
Heath Evans
Bryan Heath Evans is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, along with running back Mike Bell getting a 7-yard touchdown run and Carney nailing a 25-yard field goal. The Eagles answered with Kolb completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Avant
Jason Avant
Jason Raye Avant is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans kept up its domination as running back 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 19-yard touchdown. Philadelphia drove to the Saints' 5 yard line but could not score and the drive ended on downs; the Saints were then unable to move the ball, and rather than punting out of their own end zone, they opted to have Brees throw the ball out of the end zone for an intentional safety. After the ensuing free kick, the Eagles again drove deep into Saints territory, but again failed to score, as Kolb threw an interception which safety Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary....
returned 97 yards for a touchdown.
With the win, the Saints improved to 2–0.
Week 3: at Buffalo Bills
Coming off their win over the Eagles, the Saints flew to Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. New Orleans would make an immediate impact in the first quarter with running back Lynell Hamilton's 1-yard touchdown run. The Bills would answer in the second quarter when a fake field goal attempt, punter Brian Moorman
Brian Moorman
Brian Donald Moorman is an American football punter who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played collegiately at Pittsburg State.Moorman is a two-time Pro Bowl selection for...
would complete a 25-yard touchdown pass to defensive end Ryan Denney
Ryan Denney
Ryan Craig Denney is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. The Saints would close out the half with kicker John Carney's 27-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, New Orleans would take control in the fourth quarter with 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 :...
' 34-yard touchdown run, Carney's 35-yard field goal, and Thomas' 19-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Saints improved to 3–0.
Week 4: vs. New York Jets
Coming off their road win over the Bills, the Saints went home for a Week 4 interconference duel with the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. New Orleans would deliver the game's first points as kicker John Carney got a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the defense went to work. Safety Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary....
would return an interception 99 yards for a touchdown, followed by defensive end Will Smith forcing an endzone fumble by sacking Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez
Mark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
, which allowed defensive tackle Remi Ayodele
Remi Ayodele
Remilekun "Remi" Ayodele is an American football defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Oklahoma.Ayodele has also been a member of the Baltimore Ravens,...
to land on the ball for a touchdown. Afterwards, New York closed out the half with kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
's 38-yard field goal.
The Jets would begin a comeback attempt in the third quarter with running back Thomas Jones getting a 15-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the Saints would close out the game with running back Pierre Thomas' 1-yard touchdown and the defense making an impressive stand.
With the win, New Orleans would enter its bye week at 4–0.
Week 6: vs. New York Giants
Coming off their bye week, the Saints stayed at home for a huge Week 6 game in a "Battle of The Unbeatens" against the New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. New Orleans' offense would roar out of the gates in the first quarter with running back Mike Bell's 2-yard touchdown run and 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....
' 1-yard touchdown pass to former Giants tight end 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...
. New York would then close out the opening quarter with a 49-yard field goal from kicker Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence James Henry Tynes is an American football placekicker for the New York Giants. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2001.-Early years:...
. The Saints' high-powered offense continued to heat up in the second quarter as Brees completed a 36-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....
. The Giants would try to keep up as running back Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw is an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants...
got a 10-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans answered with Brees hooking up with 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...
on a 12-yard touchdown run. New York continued to stay persistent as quarterback Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham
Mario Manningham
Mario Cashmere Manningham is an American football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, yet the Saints closed out the half with a 7-yard touchdown run from running back 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...
.
New Orleans would solidify its lead in the third quarter with Brees finding 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...
on a 12-yard touchdown pass. The Giants opened the fourth quarter with Tynes booting a 38-yard field goal, yet the Saints ended its dominating run with fullback Heath Evans
Heath Evans
Bryan Heath Evans is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run. New York would then close out the game's scoring with quarterback David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
completing a 37-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks
Hakeem Nicks
-New York Giants:On August 1, 2009, Nicks signed a five-year, $12.54 million contract. The deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus. During training camp, Nicks vied for a starting position with the Giants other receivers, most notably Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith.2009Nicks made his first career...
.
With the win, New Orleans improved to 5–0.
Week 7: at Miami Dolphins
In Week 7, the Saints traveled to South Florida to continue their interconference series against the Dolphins. Miami jumped out to a 24–3 lead by the second quarter, with former Saint first-rounder and Heisman winner Ricky WilliamsRicky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
scoring on runs of 4 and 68 yards, and Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown
Ronnie G. Brown, Jr. is an American football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . After graduating from Cartersville High School in Georgia, Brown attended Auburn University to play college football for the Auburn Tigers...
added a touchdown run of 8 yards in the second quarter. Despite being behind for the first time in the season, the Saints gained momentum when Drew Brees scored on a quarterback sneak to end the first half and cap a 1:36 drive of 51 yards.
In the second half, the Saints scored on a 42 yard interception return by Darren Sharper in the third, but Dan Carpenter added a second field goal to push the lead back to ten points. The Saints responded with a 10 yard Brees-Colston connection, but Ricky Williams answered with another 4 yard rushing score to make the score 34–24. The Saints completed their comeback in the fourth quarter, first with Reggie Bush scoring on a reverse from 10 yards out, then with Brees scoring his second rush TD from 2. Though John Carney missed the extra point, he later hit a field goal from 20 yards, and Tracy Porter sealed the comeback with a 54 yard interception return. The Saints outscored Miami 22–0 in the fourth quarter, and 36–10 for the second half.
The Saints improved to 6–0 with the win.
Week 8: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Coming off their comeback road win over the Dolphins, the Saints went home for a Week 8 NFC South duel with the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta 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...
on Monday night. New Orleans would initially trail in the first quarter as Falcons running back Michael Turner got a 13-yard touchdown run, yet the Saints answered with 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 :...
getting a 22-yard touchdown run. Atlanta would come right back as 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....
was sacked by free safety Thomas DeCoud
Thomas DeCoud
Thomas DeCoud is a safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the California Golden Bears...
, causing him to fumble and allow defensive end Kroy Biermann
Kroy Biermann
Kroy Biermann is an American football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Montana...
to return the ball 4 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, New Orleans would go on a rampage with Brees' 18-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...
, running back 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...
's 1-yard touchdown run, and cornerback Jabari Greer
Jabari Greer
Jabari Amin Greer is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Tennessee....
's 48-yard interception return for a touchdown.
However, the Falcons began to get back into the game with quarterback Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
finding wide receiver Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...
on a 68-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, followed by 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....
booting a 25-yard field goal. Fortunately, cornerback Tracy Porter
Tracy Porter
Tracy O'Neil Porter is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Saints in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Indiana....
's key interception (helped from linebacker Jonathan Vilma's tip) lead to Brees finding Thomas on a 1-yard touchdown pass. Even though Atlanta crept closer with Elam nailing a 40-yard field goal and recovering an onside kick, free safety Darren Sharper
Darren Sharper
Darren Mallory Sharper is an American football safety who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at William & Mary....
's interception sealed the tight victory.
With the win, the Saints improved to 7–0 (tying their best start in 1991).
Week 9: vs. Carolina Panthers
Coming off their Monday night win over the Falcons, the Saints stayed at home for a Week 9 NFC South duel 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 in the first quarter as Panthers running back 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...
got a 66-yard and a 7-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Saints got on the board with a 23-yard field goal from kicker John Carney. Carolina would reply with 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...
getting a 32-yard field goal, yet New Orleans would close out the half with Carney's 25-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Saints crept closer with a 10-yard touchdown 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 :...
. The Panthers would reply with Kasay nailing a 25-yard field goal, yet New Orleans would close out the period 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....
' 54-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....
. Afterwards, the Saints took command in the fourth quarter as Carney booted a 40-yard field goal, followed by defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove
Anthony Hargrove
Anthony La'Ron Hargrove is an American football defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech.Hargrove has also played for the Buffalo Bills as...
forcing Williams into a fumble and recovering it for a 1-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Saints improved to 8–0, which is the team's best start in franchise history.
Week 10: at St. Louis Rams
Coming off their divisional home win over the Panthers, the Saints flew to the Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
for a Week 10 duel with the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. After a scoreless first quarter, New Orleans got the game's inaugural points in the second quarter with running back 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...
getting a 3-yard touchdown run. The Rams would respond with quarterback Marc Bulger
Marc Bulger
Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
completing a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donnie Avery
Donnie Avery
Donnie D. Avery is a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Houston.-Early years:...
. New Orleans 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....
hooking up with Bush on a 15-yard touchdown pass, yet St. Louis would close out the half with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
.
The Saints would begin the third quarter with wide receiver Courtney Roby
Courtney Roby
Courtney Eugene Roby is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
returning the second half's opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The Rams would stay close with kicker Josh Brown nailing a 32-yard field goal. New Orleans would extend their lead in the fourth quarter Brees finding 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....
on a 27-yard touchdown pass. St. Louis tried to catch up as Bulger found Avery again on a 19-yard touchdown pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet the defense prevented the Rams from getting any closer.
With the win, the Saints improved to 9–0.
Week 11: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off a tough road win against the Rams, the Saints went 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 11 duel against 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...
. After a quick first quarter Tampa Bay touchdown from rookie quarterback Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
to Micheal Clayton to cap a 95-yard drive, the Bucs showed how the Saints struggled defensively. The Bucs looked to improve on their next drive by moving the ball with running backs Carnell Williams and Ernest Graham. The Saints would answer defensively as they took advantage of numerous mistakes by rookie Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman.
Drew Brees passed for 187 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Robert Meacham for a 4-yard touchdown catch and a 6-yard touchdown catch, and to tight end David Thomas for a 11-yard touchdown. Pressure on the young Freeman from the Saints forced him to throw 3-interceptions and a fumble, allowing the Saints to take more control during the second half. The Saints would close out the game in the with two scores from running back Mike Bell from 3 yards and one yard out.
With the win, the Saints improved to 10–0.
Week 12: vs. New England Patriots
The Saints returned to the Dome for possibly the most hyped game in recent team history, a Monday Night showdown in front of 70,768 with the 7–3 Patriots, winners of 3 Super Bowls in this decade. The Saints came out firing from the start with a 33 yard completion from Brees to Devery Henderson. The drive resulted in a John Carney FG from 30 yards. The Pats stormed back on the next drive, converting twice on 4th-and-1, the second being Laurence Maroney's 4 yard TD run to put New England in the lead. On New England's next drive, Tom Brady was intercepted by a healthy and re-signed Mike McKenzie, leading to a TD from Brees to Pierre Thomas on a 18 yard swing pass. Forcing the Pats to punt again, Drew Brees found a wide-open Henderson on the next play, who waltzed into the endzone on a 75 yard reception to make it 17–7. The Patriots scored again on a 38 yard FG by Stephen Gostkowski. Drew Brees made it 24–10 on a 38 yarder to Robert Meachem, which was set up by a 25 yard catch by former Patriots TE David Thomas, and Gostkowski missed a 50 yard FG wide to close out the half.On the Pats first play of the third quarter, Scott Fujita forced Maroney to fumble, and Sedrick Ellis recovered the ball. However, Maroney forced Ellis to fumble, and Wes Welker recovered the ball on the New England 19. Brady then drove New England downfield, including a 47 yarder to Randy Moss, and Maroney scored his second rush TD from two yards. On the next offensive play, Marques Colston turns a 10 yard catch into a 68 yard gain to the Patriots 6, and New Orleans gets another touchdown via a two yard catch by backup TE Darnell Dinkins. In the fourth quarter, Brees hits Colston from 20 yards for his 5th passing TD of the game, and the game was sealed when Sharper got his 8th interception of the year, and Brady is pulled with 5:28 to go, replaced by backup Brad Hoyer.
With the win, the Saints improve to 11–0. Drew Brees completed 18 of 23 passes for a season-high 371 yards, five touchdowns and his first-ever perfect passer rating of 158.3, and became the first to throw 5 TDs against a Bill Belichick-coached team.
The television broadcast of the game on 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....
's Monday Night Football
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...
was the second-most-watched cable telecast of all time.
Week 13: at Washington Redskins
After an emotional Monday night win against the New England PatriotsNew England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, the Saints traveled to FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland
Landover, Maryland
Landover is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover. The Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex is in Landover...
for a Week 13 matchup against the 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,...
. In the 1st quarter, the Redskins scored first with 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...
throwing an 8-yard touchdown to Fred Davis
Fred Davis (tight end)
Fred Davis is an American football tight end currently playing for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Redskins in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California.-Early years:Davis prepped at Rogers High School...
. 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...
then kicked a 32-yard field goal to go up 10–0. In the 2nd quarter, the Saints finally scored with a 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...
34-yard field goal. After a defensive stance, 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....
threw a 40-yard touchdown to 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...
which tied the game 10–10. The Redskins retook the lead with Jason Campbell connecting with Devin Thomas
Devin Thomas
Devin Thomas is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the New York Giants. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State...
for a 10-yard touchdown. With the Saints now down 17–10, Brees and the Saints attempted to drive the field. Brees’ pass attempt to 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...
was intercepted by Kareem Moore
Kareem Moore
Kareem Moore is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. 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....
then ran into Moore, stripped the football, and returned it for a 44-yard touchdown.
In the 3rd quarter, the Redskins kicker Suisham made a 28-yard field goal. The Redskins then extended their lead with Devin Thomas catching a 13-yard touchdown pass from Campbell. The Saints’ Hartley made a 27-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter, Shaun Suisham and Garrett Hartley traded field goals. After an ill-advised field goal miss from 23 yards by Shaun Suisham, the Saints, only down by 7 points, now had the opportunity to tie the game. Drew Brees and the Saints offense drove the field in 5 plays, in 33 seconds and capped the drive with a 53-yard touchdown pass to Robert Meachem to tie the game 30–30 at the end of regulation. The Saints completed the comeback with Garrett Hartley’s 18-yard field goal for the first lead in the game and the win 33–30 in overtime
Overtime (sports)
Overtime or extra time is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a sport to bring a game to a decision and avoid declaring the match a tie or draw. In most sports, this extra period is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, as in single-elimination...
.
With the win, the Saints improved to 12–0 and clinched the NFC South title. Their 12 wins also tied a single-season franchise record set in the 1987 and 1992 seasons.
Week 14: at Atlanta Falcons
After a tough road win in overtime against the Redskins. The Saints marched into Atlanta with their eyes on a franchise best 13th straight victory. In the first quarter, Atlanta started out fast driving down the field for a Matt Bryant 36 yard field goal. The Saints responded with a Garrett Hartley 33 yard field goal. Atlanta responded with another Matt Bryant 30 yard field goal to take 6–3 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Saints would come out strong in the second quarter, when RB Reggie Bush scored on a 6 yard pass from Drew Brees to take a 10–6 lead. The Saints continued to move the ball and added on to the lead with a Marques Colston 3 yard touchdown catch from Drew Brees. Garrett Hartley kick failed giving the Saints a 16–6 lead in the second quarter. The Falcons troubles would continue. After failing to score a touchdown for the third time in the first half, Atlanta settled for a Matt Bryant 27 yard field goal to get within a touchdown at halftime.The second half looked promising for the Saints but RB Reggie Bush fumbled and recovered the ball. RB Reggie Bush would redeem his performance on the next play with a 21 yard screen pass from Drew Brees to put the Saint up 23–9. Atlanta would make a run and wear down the Saints defense when Michael Jenkins caught a 50 yard touchdown pass from Chris Redman to move within a touchdown. Jason Snelling would add a 4 yard touchdown run to tie the game at 23. Late in the fourth quarter, the Saints would have a chance to get the lead back with a Garrett Hartley 38 yard field goal. The Saints got a break when Jonathan Vilma intercepted a Chris Redman pass to give the Saints a chance to increase the lead. The Saints would move the ball but only settle for a fake field goal that failed. The results continued in doubt for the Saints until Vilma came up with another defensive fourth-down hit on RB Jason Snelling. Stopping him a yard short of the marker with just over a minute remaining, the Saints' defense came up big but gave up 392 yards. Drew Brees threw for 296 yards for the season and threw for more than 30,000 yards in his career.He also added three touchdowns for the season and tied a club record with 120 in his Saints career. RB Reggie Bush had 47 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards and two touchdowns added for the season.
The Saints won 26–23. With the win, they improved to 13–0, clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs
2009–10 NFL playoffs
The National Football League playoffs for the 2009 season began on January 9, 2010 and led up to Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida...
.
Week 15: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Coming off yet another close win, this time over the Falcons, the Saints went home for a Week 15 Saturday night duel with the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Dallas would get off to a fast start with quarterback Tony Romo completing a 49-yard TD pass to wide receiver Miles Austin. The Cowboys then increased their lead later in the quarter with a 3-yard TD run by running back Marion Barber. In the second quarter, the Saints would score their only points of the half with kicker Garrett Hartley nailing a 34-yard field goal. However, the Cowboys took a 17–3 lead at halftime with kicker Nick Folk's 44-yard field goal.In the third quarter, Dallas scored the period's only points when running back Marion Barber got a 2-yard TD run. An exciting fourth quarter ensued. New Orleans got the first score of the period when running back Mike Bell scored from one yard out to make a 24–10 Dallas lead. Following a Dallas three-and-out, New Orleans made it a one touchdown game when quarterback Drew Brees hit wide receiver Lance Moore for a 7-yard TD pass. Dallas then marched down the field to the Saints' eight-yard line, but then kicker Nick Folk's potential game-icing 24-yard field goal hit the right goalpost and went no good, setting up another fourth quarter comeback for the Saints. However, unlike in such games against Washington and Atlanta, quarterback Drew Brees was sacked with 10 seconds left in the contest at the Dallas 48-yard line, forcing a fumble for the second time in the game by Dallas' DeMarcus Ware, which was then recovered by nose tackle Jay Ratliff. The Cowboys then took a knee to end the game.
With the loss, the Saints fell to 13–1, ending their chance at a perfect season
Perfect Season
A perfect season is any sports season, excluding the playoff portion of a season, in which a team remains undefeated and untied. The feat is extremely rare at the professional level of any team sport, and has occurred more commonly at the collegiate level in the United States.A perfect season may...
.
Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Saints dominated the first quarter and entered halftime riding on a 17–3 lead. Tampa Bay scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 77-yard kick return by Micheal SpurlockMicheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, to tie the game at 17. As time expired, 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...
attempted a 37 yard field goal that would have salvaged the game for the Saints, but the kick hooked left. In overtime, Tampa Bay won the coin toss, received the kickoff, and drove down the field to win the game with a field goal, for a final score of 20–17.
With the disappointing loss, the Saints fell to 13–2, and appeared to be at risk of losing homefield advantage in the playoffs to the Vikings. However, the Vikings lost in overtime to the Chicago Bears in Week 16's Monday night game, and the Saints clinched the top seed in the NFC.
Week 17: at Carolina Panthers
After nearly beating the now 3-12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New Orleans Saints looked to rest their starters for the remaining game against the Carolina Panthers. In the First Quarter, the Carolina Panthers started out with great runs from Jonathan Stewart who capped off the first drive with a 67 yard run for a touchdown. In the second quarter the Saints got on the board with a Garrett Hartley 35 yard field goal making the score 7–3. Carolina was not done, they continued to go to their play makers like Dwayne Jarrett who caught a 30 yard pass from Matt Moore to go up 14–3. Later John Kasay added a 41 yard field goal to extend the lead to 17–3. In the second half, the Saints could not stop Carolina from scoring twice more on a John Kasay 39 yard field goal and a 37 yard field goal to go up 23–3. The Saints would show promise when Lynell Hamilton ran for a 1 yard touchdown to end the game at 23–10.Game Notes: Mark Brunell was dismal completing 15 of his 29 attempts for 102 yards, 1 interception and a passer rating of 45.5. This marks the first time this season that the Saints did not have a productive quarterback, receiver or running back. This marks the second time the Saints have allowed a Carolina running back to run for over 100 yards in a game (DeAngelo Williams 149 yards week 9 & Jonathan Stewart 128 yards week 17). Sitting out allowed Drew Brees to break the NFL record for completion percentage in a season with 70.60, beating the previous NFL record of 70.55 by Ken Anderson of Cincinnati set in 1982. The Saints have home-field throughout the national football conference playoffs.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| WC | First-round bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
|||||||
| DIV | January 16 | 3:30 PM CST | Arizona Cardinals 2009 Arizona Cardinals season The 2009 Arizona Cardinals season is the 90th season for the team in the National Football League and the 22nd season in Arizona. The Cardinals finished the season with a 10–6 record, an improvement from their 9–7 previous season record and the first time the team has won ten games since 1976 The... |
45–14 | 1–0 | 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... |
Recap |
| CONF | January 24 | 5:40 PM CST | Minnesota Vikings 2009 Minnesota Vikings season The 2009 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 49th season in the NFL. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008; it was the first time that they had retained a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978... |
31–28 (OT) | 2–0 | Louisiana Superdome | FOX | Recap |
| SB XLIV | February 7 | 5:30 PM CST | vs Indianapolis Colts 2009 Indianapolis Colts season The 2009 Indianapolis Colts season was the 57th season for the team in the National Football League and the 26th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not have Tony Dungy on their coaching staff, due to his retirement from coaching... |
31–17 | 3–0 | Sun Life Stadium | 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:... |
Recap |
NFC Wildcard Round: Bye week
By earning the NFC top-seed, the Saints earned a bye week in the first round of the NFC Playoffs.NFC Divisonal Round: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Entering the postseason as the NFC's #1 seed, the Saints began their playoff run at home in the NFC Divisional Round against the #4 Arizona CardinalsArizona 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...
. New Orleans would immediately trail in the first quarter as Cardinals running back Tim Hightower
Tim Hightower
-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...
ran for a 70-yard touchdown. The Saints would greatly respond with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Lynell Hamilton
Lynell Hamilton
Lynell Hamilton is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
, 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....
finding tight end 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...
on a 17-yard touchdown pass, and running back 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...
's 54-yard touchdown run. Arizona would reply in the second quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Chris "Beanie" Wells. Afterwards, New Orleans struck again as Brees found wide receiver 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...
on a 44-yard touchdown pass, followed by 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...
for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
In the third quarter, the Saints continued their offensive day 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...
kicked a 43-yard field goal, followed by Bush's 83-yard punt return for a touchdown. For the rest of the game, New Orleans' defense took control and shut down the Cardinal's offense.
With the win, the Saints advanced to the NFC Championship Game
NFC Championship Game
The National Football Conference Championship Game is one of the two semi-final playoff matches of the National Football League, the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January and determines the champion of the...
for the second time in franchise history.
NFC Championship Game: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Coming off their divisional home win over the Cardinals, the Saints stayed at home for the NFC Championship GameNFC Championship Game
The National Football Conference Championship Game is one of the two semi-final playoff matches of the National Football League, the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January and determines the champion of the...
against the #2 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...
. New Orleans would initially trail in the first quarter as Vikings running back Adrian Peterson got a 19-yard touchdown run, yet the Saints responded 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....
hooking up with 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 :...
on a 38-yard touchdown pass. However, Minnesota would answer with quarterback Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
. New Orleans would tie the game again in the second quarter with Brees finding wide receiver 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...
on a 9-yard touchdown pass.
The Saints would take the lead in the third quarter with Thomas' 9-yard touchdown run, but the Vikings would tie the game with a 1-yard touchdown run from Peterson. In the fourth quarter, New Orleans would regain the lead as Brees found running back 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...
on a 5-yard touchdown pass, yet Minnesota would tie again with Peterson's 2-yard touchdown run. A key interception late in 4th quarter by Tracy Porter
Tracy Porter
Tracy O'Neil Porter is an American football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Saints in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Indiana....
stopped what could have been Minnesota's game winning drive, leading to overtime. In overtime, the Saints came out on top 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...
booted the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did the Saints improve their overall record to 15–3, but they would advance to their very first Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
in franchise history.
Super Bowl XLIV: vs. Indianapolis Colts
In continuation of a string of firsts, the Saints advanced to their first Super Bowl in franchise history and won it in dramatic fashion. After the coin toss, the Saints wanted the ball first; however, this didn't help their first drive. The Colts drove the ball down the field with an attempt to score the first touchdown but was denied and forced Matt Stover to kick a 38 yard goal. But the Colts were not finished: on their next possession, Pierre Garcon caught a 19 yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, and the Colts led 10–0 after fifteen minutes. In the second quarter, the Saints were forced to look upon Garrett Hartley for two field goals – a 46 yarder and a 44 yarder respectively – and the deficit was reduced to four points by halftime.Kicking off the second half, the Saints caught Indy by surprise with the "Ambush" play (an onside kick in kickoff formation), which the Saints recovered, shifting the momentum to them. Pierre Thomas caught a 16 yard screen pass from Drew Brees and NO had their first lead of the game, 13–10 after the extra point. The Colts would not be denied from scoring again with the rushing attack of Joseph Addai, capping off the scoring drive with a 4-yard run. From here, however, the Colts would be denied. The Saints still stood by Hartley to keep the game close with a 47 yard field goal, taking the score to 17–16. In the fourth quarter, Jeremy Shockey caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees with Lance Moore catching a two-point conversion and the Saints led 24–17. In the end, it was the defense that came through when Tracy Porter intercepted and returned 74 yards for a touchdown to seal the win and the first Super Bowl title for the New Orleans Saints in their 44 year existence.