NFL team season
The 2012 season was the New Orleans Saints ' 46th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 37th playing home games at the Superdome . It would have been their seventh season under head coach Sean Payton , but he was suspended by the NFL for the entire season as part of the punishment for the team's bounty scandal . On April 12, 2012, linebackers coach Joe Vitt was named interim head coach to replace Payton while he was suspended.[1] Aaron Kromer would take over while Vitt himself served a six-game suspension to start the regular season.[2] Super Bowl on their own home field, but they were eliminated from post-season contention for the first time since 2008 in Week 16. The Saints set an NFL record for most yards given up by a defense, 7,042 yards, surpassing the 1981 Baltimore Colts record of 6,793 yards.
Personnel changes
After his contract expired, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was hired by the St. Louis Rams to the same position on January 16, 2012. Former Rams' head coach Steve Spagnuolo replaced Williams. Williams was later handed an indefinite suspension from the NFL for his role in the bounty scandal.
Roster changes
Signings
All signings were to active roster, except where otherwise noted.
Pos.
Player
Date[3] [4]
Notes
WR
Andy Tanner
January 18, 2012
CB
Kamaal McIlwain
January 18, 2012
Released August 27, 2012.
OT
Phil Trautwein
January 18, 2012
Released May 15, 2012
OG
Nick Howell
January 18, 2012
Released May 15, 2012.
QB
Sean Canfield
January 18, 2012
CB
Josh Victorian
January 18, 2012
Released May 15, 2012
CB
Cord Parks
January 18, 2012
Released July 31, 2012. Re-signed August 2, 2012. Released August 27, 2012.
OT
Fenuki Tupou
January 18, 2012
Placed on injured reserve August 20, 2012.
RB
Chris Taylor
January 18, 2012
Released June 8, 2012
DT
Mitch King
January 18, 2012
DT
Swanson Miller
January 19, 2012
Released August 27, 2012.
OG
Ben Grubbs
March 15, 2012
From the Baltimore Ravens
DT
Brodrick Bunkley
March 21, 2012
From the Denver Broncos
LB
Chris Chamberlain
March 23, 2012
From the St. Louis Rams . Placed on injured reserve August 20, 2012.
LB
Curtis Lofton
March 24, 2012
From the Atlanta Falcons
LB
David Hawthorne
April 3, 2012
From the Seattle Seahawks
WR
Courtney Roby
April 16, 2012
Re-signed
CB
Jabari Greer
April 20, 2012
Re-signed
LB
Jonathan Casillas
April 24, 2012
Re-signed
K
John Kasay
April 26, 2012
Re-signed
DT
Remi Ayodele
May 7, 2012
Released August 27, 2012.
CB
Marquis Johnson
May 11, 2012
From the St. Louis Rams
OT
Hutch Eckerson
May 14, 2012
Released August 27, 2012.
LB
Lawrence Wilson
May 15, 2012
CB
Elbert Mack
June 5, 2012
From the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB
Luke McCown
June 7, 2012
From the Jacksonville Jaguars . Released August 27, 2012.
QB
Drew Brees
July 13, 2012
Re-signed
TE
Derek Schouman
July 24, 2012
DE
Alex Daniels
July 31, 2012
LB
Ramon Humber
August 6, 2012
Re-signed
OG
Paul Fenaroli
August 11, 2012
Released August 27, 2012.
TE
Daniel Graham
August 11, 2012
WR
Greg Camarillo
August 20, 2012
LB
Barrett Ruud
August 20, 2012
From the Seattle Seahawks
Draft
The Saints did not have a first- or second-round selection.[a] [b]
NOTES
^[a] New England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' 2011 first-round selection.^[b] 2013 as part of the punishment for the team's bounty scandal .^[c] Miami Dolphins as part of the Reggie Bush trade.
Undrafted free agents
All undrafted free agents were signed just after the 2012 NFL Draft concluded on April 28.[5]
Position
Player
College
Notes
LB Kadarron Anderson
Furman Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
WR Malcolm Beyah
Middle Tennessee State Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released June 13, 2012.
DE Braylon Broughton
TCU Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
TE Jake Byrne Wisconsin Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012.
RB Travaris Cadet Appalachian State Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
DB A.J. Davis Jacksonville State Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Placed on injured reserve August 11, 2012. Released August 18, 2012.
C Brian Folkerts Washburn Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012.
WR Chris Givens
Miami (OH) Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Placed on injured reserve August 2, 2012.
S Jose Gumbs Monmouth Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
WR Kevin Hardy
The Citadel Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released July 24, 2012. Re-signed August 6, 2012. Released August 27, 2012.
OT Dan Hoch
Missouri Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released May 15, 2012.
LB Stephen Johnson
Temple Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released May 15, 2012.
S Jerico Nelson Arkansas Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
RS Laron Scott Georgia Southern Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Releases August 6, 2012.
OT Aderious Simmons
Arizona State Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
LB Aaron Tevis
Boise State Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012.
S Johnny Thomas
Oklahoma State Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012.
DE /DT Tyrunn Walker Tulsa Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp
OG DeOn'tae Pannell
Penn State Added to the team roster on May 15 after participating in rookie mini-camp
DB Nick Hixson
Hillsdale Added to the team roster on May 15 after participating in rookie mini-camp. Released June 8, 2012. Re-signed August 11, 2012.
OG Scott Winnewisser
California (PA) Signed May 29, 2012. Placed on injured reserve August 6, 2012.
RB Joe Banyard UTEP Signed June 7, 2012.
WR Derek Moye Penn State Claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins on June 13, 2012. Released August 27, 2012.
LB Donavan Robinson
Jackson State Signed June 22, 2012. Released August 27, 2012.
WR Marques Clark
Henderson State Signed July 24, 2012. Released August 27, 2012.
Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
WAS – Aldrick Robinson 5-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Billy Cundiff kick), 11:33. Redskins 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:20.
WAS – Billy Cundiff 41-yard field goal, 6:08. Redskins 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:05.
NO – Courtney Roby 4-yard return of blocked punt (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:40. Redskins 20–14. Third quarter
WAS – Alfred Morris 1-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 11:24. Redskins 27–14. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:36.
WAS – Billy Cundiff 37-yard field goal, 7:10. Redskins 30–14. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 3:40.
NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 1:50. Redskins 30–17. Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 5:20. Fourth quarter
WAS – Billy Cundiff 45-yard field goal, 10:59. Redskins 33–17. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 5:51.
NO – Lance Moore 33-yard pass from Drew Brees (Darren Sproles run), 6:19. Redskins 33–25. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:04.
WAS – Alfred Morris 3-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 3:18. Redskins 40–25. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:05.
NO – Darren Sproles 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:25. Redskins 40–32. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 0:53.
Top passers
WAS – Robert Griffin III – 19/26, 320 yards, 2 TD
NO – Drew Brees – 24/52, 339 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
WAS – Alfred Morris – 28 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD
NO – Pierre Thomas – 4 rushes, 17 yards Top receivers
WAS – Pierre Garçon – 4 receptions, 109 yards, TD
NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 120 yards, TD
With the loss, the Saints started their season 0–1.
Week 2: at Carolina Panthers
Week Two: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
10
3
0 14 27
Panthers 7
14
7 7 35
at Bank of America Stadium , Charlotte, North Carolina
Date : September 16Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDT /12:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : 71 °F (22 °C), cloudyGame attendance : 72,879Referee : Gerald WrightTV announcers (Fox) : Ron Pitts , Mike Martz and Kristina Pink
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 53-yard field goal, 7:08. Saints 13–7. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:36.
CAR – Jonathan Stewart 17-yard pass from Cam Newton (Justin Medlock kick), 3:33. Panthers 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:35.
CAR – Mike Tolbert 2-yard run (Justin Medlock kick), 0:11. Panthers 21–13. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 2:20. Third quarter
CAR – DeAngelo Williams 3-yard run (Justin Medlock kick), 8:17. Panthers 28–13. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:04. Fourth quarter
NO – Mark Ingram 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 12:53. Panthers 28–20. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 3:35.
CAR – Cam Newton 5-yard run (Justin Medlock kick), 9:55. Panthers 35–20. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58.
NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:55. Panthers 35–27. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 2:54.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 31/49, 325 yards, TD, 2 INT
CAR – Cam Newton – 14/20, 253 yards, TD Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 9 rushes, 110 yards
CAR – Cam Newton – 13 rushes, 71 yards, TD Top receivers
With the loss, the Saints fell to 0–2.
Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 40-yard field goal, 14:55. Saints 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:56.
KC – Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal, 4:41. Saints 10–6. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:34. Third quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:10. Saints 17–6. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:41.
NO – Jed Collins 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:36. Saints 24–6. Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards, 0:45.
KC – Jamaal Charles 91-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 5:18. Saints 24–13. Drive: 1 play, 91 yards, 0:18. Fourth quarter
KC – Ryan Succop 34-yard field goal, 13:40. Saints 24–16. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:48.
KC – Ryan Succop 38-yard field goal, 9:11. Saints 24–19. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 3:32.
KC – Drew Brees sacked in endzone by Justin Houston for safety, 5:40. Saints 24–21.
KC – Ryan Succop 43-yard field goal, 0:03. Tied 24–24. Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 5:30. Overtime
KC – Ryan Succop 31-yard field goal, 6:27. Chiefs 27–24. Drive: 12 plays, 40 yards, 5:19.
Top passers
KC – Matt Cassel – 26/44, 248 yards, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 20/36, 240 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
KC – Jamaal Charles – 33 rushes, 233 yards, TD
NO – Darren Sproles – 7 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers
KC – Dwayne Bowe – 7 receptions, 79 yards
NO – Lance Moore – 4 receptions, 40 yards, TD
With the close loss, the Saints fell to 0–3.
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
GB – Greg Jennings 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 14:15. Packers 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:18.
GB – James Jones 14-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:50. Packers 21–7. Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards, 6:08.
NO – Darren Sproles 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:27. Packers 21–14. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:23. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 20-yard field goal, 9:41. Packers 21–17. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 5:19.
NO – Joseph Morgan 80-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49. Saints 24–21. Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards, 1:21. Fourth quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 27-yard field goal, 13:04. Saints 27–21. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:31.
GB – Jordy Nelson 11-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 7:00. Packers 28–27. Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:25.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 35/54, 446 yards, 3 TD
GB – Aaron Rodgers – 31/41, 319 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers
NO – Darren Sproles – 5 rushes, 20 yards
GB – Cedric Benson – 18 carries, 84 yards Top receivers
NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 153 yards, TD
GB – Jordy Nelson – 8 receptions, 93 yards, TD
With the loss, the Saints faced their first 0–4 start since 2007.
Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers
Week Five: San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Chargers
7
10
7 0 24
Saints 7
7
7 10 31
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
SD – Nick Novak 20-yard field goal, 9:58. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:08.
NO – Marques Colston 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:19. Saints 14-10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:39.
SD – Robert Meachem 44-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 0:36. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 1:12. Third quarter
SD – Ryan Mathews 13-yard run (Nick Novak kick), 12:27. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:19.
NO – Marques Colston 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:11. Chargers 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:28. Fourth quarter
NO – Marques Colston 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:50. Saints 28–24. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 5:49.
NO – Garrett Hartley 26-yard field goal, 2:56. Saints 31–24. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:49.
Top passers
SD – Philip Rivers – 27/42, 354 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 370 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers
SD – Ryan Mathews – 12 rushes, 80 yards, TD
NO – Pierre Thomas – 9 carries, 30 yards Top receivers
SD – Malcolm Floyd – 5 receptions, 108 yards
NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 131 yards, 3 TD
Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas ' record of consecutive games with a touchdown in the first quarter. The record touchdown was witnessed by Unitas' son Joe. With the surprising win, the Saints go into their bye week at 1–4.
Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
TB – Vincent Jackson 17-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 13:18. Buccaneers 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:28.
NO – Darren Sproles 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:24. Buccaneers 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:54.
NO – Joe Morgan 48-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:35. Tied 21–21. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 2:45.
NO – David Thomas 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:15. Saints 28–21. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 1:38. Third quarter
Fourth quarter
NO – Pierre Thomas 5-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:23. Saints 35–21. Drive: 12 plays, 95 yards, 5:01.
TB – Dallas Clark 3-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 4:10. Saints 35–28. Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 6:18.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 27/37, 377 yards, 4 TD, INT
TB – Josh Freeman – 24/42, 420 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 13 rushes, 32 yards, TD
TB – Doug Martin – 16 rushes, 85 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Lance Moore – 9 receptions, 121 yards
TB – Vincent Jackson – 7 receptions, 216 yards, TD
With the win, the Saints improved to 2–4. Also, QB Drew Brees increased his number of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 49.
Week 8: at Denver Broncos
Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
7
0 7 14
Broncos 7
10
7 10 34
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High , Denver, Colorado
Date : October 28Game time : 7:20 p.m. CDT/6:20 p.m. MDT Game weather : 59 °F (15 °C), partly cloudyGame attendance : 76,832Referee : Mike Carey TV announcers (NBC) : Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Darren Sproles 29-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 14:53. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:53.
DEN – Eric Decker 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 6:43. Broncos 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:17.
DEN – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 4:24. Third quarter
DEN – Demaryius Thomas 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 9:30. Broncos 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 5:30. Fourth quarter
DEN – Eric Decker 2-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 14:54. Broncos 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 1:57.
DEN – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 5:27. Broncos 34–7. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 3:29.
NO – Jimmy Graham 18-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:03. Broncos 34–14. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:24.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 22/42, 213 yards, 2 TD, INT
DEN – Peyton Manning – 22/30, 305 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 8 rushes, 43 yards
DEN – Willis McGahee – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD
DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 137 yards, TD
With the loss, the Saints fell to 2–5. However, despite the loss, QB Drew Brees increased his record of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 50.
Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Nine: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Eagles
0
3
10 0 13
Saints 7
14
7 0 28
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
PHI – Alex Henery 22-yard field goal, 12:03. Saints 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:33.
NO – Chris Ivory 22-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:33. Saints 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:30.
NO – Marques Colston 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:13. Saints 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:46. Third quarter
PHI – DeSean Jackson 77-yard pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), 8:42. Saints 21–10. Drive: 2 plays, 83 yards, 0:49.
PHI – Alex Henery 37-yard field goal, 7:00. Saints 21–13. Drive: 5 plays, 3 yards, 1:34.
NO – Jimmy Graham 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:20. Saints 28–13. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:40. Fourth quarter
Top passers
PHI – Michael Vick – 22/41, 272 yards, TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 21/27, 239 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
PHI – LeSean McCoy – 19 rushes, 119 yards
NO – Chris Ivory – 10 rushes, 48 yards, TD Top receivers
PHI – DeSean Jackson – 3 receptions, 100 yards, TD
NO – Jimmy Graham – 8 receptions, 72 yards, TD
With the win, the Saints improved to 3–5. Also, QB Drew Brees increased his streak of games with at least one passing touchdown to 51.
Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons
10
7
0 10 27
Saints 7
14
7 3 31
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : November 11Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,126Referee : Tony Corrente TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Mike Johnson 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:38. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:22.
ATL – Matt Bryant 37-yard field goal, 9:19. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:07.
NO – Chris Ivory 56-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:49. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:30. Second quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 29-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:33. Saints 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:23.
ATL – Tony Gonzalez 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:27. Falcons 17–14. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:06.
NO – Jimmy Graham 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:34. Saints 21–17. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 1:43. Third quarter
NO – Marques Colston 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:23. Saints 28–17. Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:31. Fourth quarter
ATL – Tony Gonzalez 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:27. Saints 28–24. Drive: 12 plays, 91 yards, 5:46.
ATL – Matt Bryant 20-yard field goal, 9:08. Saints 28–27. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:42.
NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 5:54. Saints 31–27. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:14.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 34/52, 411 yards, 3 TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 21/32, 298 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 3 rushes, 29 yards
NO – Chris Ivory – 7 rushes, 72 yards, TD Top receivers
ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 11 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD
NO – Jimmy Graham – 7 receptions, 146 yards, 2 TD
After their huge win over the Eagles, the Saints stayed home for a game against their heated rival Falcons. Sitting at 3–5, the Falcons came into this game at 8–0. The Saints surprisingly won their 4th-straight game against the Falcons and improved their record to 4–5 while the Falcons dropped to 8–1. Drew Brees brought his total of games with a passing touchdown to 52.
Week 11: at Oakland Raiders
Week Eleven: New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints 14
7
14 3 38
Raiders
0
7
3 7 17
at O.co Coliseum , Oakland, California
Date : November 18Game time : 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST Game weather : 61 °F (16 °C), partly cloudyGame attendance : 56,880Referee : Pete Morelli TV announcers (Fox) : Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
NO – Mark Ingram 27-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 14:43. Saints 28–7. Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:17.
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 40-yard field goal, 10:22. Saints 28–10. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:21.
NO – Lance Moore 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:26. Saints 35–10. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:46. Fourth quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 47-yard field goal, 10:28. Saints 38–10. Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 4:26.
OAK – Juron Criner 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:00. Saints 38–17. Drive: 7 plays, 93 yards, 2:03.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 20/27, 219 yards, 3 TD
OAK – Carson Palmer – 22/40, 312 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram – 12 rushes, 67 yards, TD
OAK – Marcel Reece – 19 rushes, 103 yards Top receivers
NO – Marques Colston – 4 receptions, 69 yards
OAK – Marcel Reece – 4 receptions, 90 yards
After 2 straight dominant home wins, the Saints traveled to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The Saints again dominated this game after the Raiders took the first points of the game. The Saints would win and improve to 5–5 on the season keeping their playoff hopes alive. Also Drew Brees brought his streak of at least 1 passing touchdown in a single game to 53.
Week 12: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers 7
7
14 3 31
Saints
7
7
7 0 21
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : November 25Game time : 3:25 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,147Referee : John Parry TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Marques Colston 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:53. Saints 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:48.
SF – Ahmad Brooks 50-yard interception return (David Akers kick), 0:22. Tied 14–14. Third quarter
SF – Frank Gore 6-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers kick), 12:17. 49ers 21–14. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:43.
SF – Donte Whitner 42-yard interception return (David Akers kick), 11:30. 49ers 28–14.
NO – Jed Collins 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:19. 49ers 28–21. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:11. Fourth quarter
SF – David Akers 27-yard field goal, 7:50. 49ers 31–21. Drive: 16 plays, 84 yards, 9:28.
Top passers
SF – Colin Kaepernick: 16/25, 231 yards, TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees: 26/41, 267 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
SF – Frank Gore: 19 rushes, 83 yards
NO – Chris Ivory : 8 rushes, 34 yards Top receivers
The loss dropped the team to 5–6, but Brees's record of games with at least 1 passing touchdown stood at 54. This loss was brought up by the ejection of nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley.
Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Thirteen: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
7
6 0 13
Falcons 7
10
0 6 23
at Georgia Dome , Atlanta, Georgia
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Tony Gonzalez 17-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:08. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:28.
ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 8:53. Falcons 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:51.
NO – Mark Ingram 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:17. Falcons 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:36. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 8:24. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 6:36.
NO – Garrett Hartley 52-yard field goal, 3:53. Falcons 17–13. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 2:49. Fourth quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 14:48. Falcons 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:50.
ATL – Matt Bryant 55-yard field goal, 4:25. Falcons 23–13. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:38.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 28/50, 341 yards, 5 INT
ATL – Matt Ryan – 18/33, 165 yards, TD Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 14 rushes, 84 yards
ATL – Michael Turner – 12 rushes, 83 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Lance Moore – 7 receptions, 123 yards
ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 4 receptions, 58 yards, TD
After the tough home loss to the Niners, the Saints traveled to take on the Falcons in a TNF matchup. The Saints' 4-game winning streak against the Falcons would be snapped as the team dropped to 5–7. Also, QB Drew Brees's streak of consecutive games with at least 1 passing touchdown would come to an end as he threw a career-high 5 interceptions in one game on the night. Regardless, his total passing touchdowns at this point was 31 bringing him his 5th straight season with 30+ passing touchdowns.
Week 14: at New York Giants
Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at New York Giants – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
6
14 0 27
Giants 14
7
14 17 52
at MetLife Stadium , East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date : December 9Game time : 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CSTGame weather : 42 °F (6 °C), rainGame attendance : 81,437Referee : Jeff TripletteTV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 32-yard field goal, 9:46. Giants 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 5:44.
NO – Garrett Hartley 25-yard field goal, 1:57. Giants 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:06.
NYG – Domenik Hixon 5-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 0:20. Giants 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 1:37. Third quarter
NYG – David Wilson 6-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 13:04. Giants 28–13. Drive: 4 plays, 20 yards, 1:40.
NYG – Hakeem Nicks 25-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 8:13. Giants 35–13. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 3:09.
NO – Darren Sproles 13-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 7:21. Giants 35–20. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:52.
NO – Darren Sproles 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:51. Giants 35–27. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:09. Fourth quarter
NYG – Victor Cruz 10-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 14:20. Giants 42–27. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:31.
NYG – Lawrence Tynes 39-yard field goal, 10:19. Giants 45–27. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:31.
NYG – David Wilson 52-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 5:10. Giants 52–27. Drive: 1 play, 52 yards, 0:10.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 26/43, 354 yards, TD, 2 INT
NYG – Eli Manning – 22/35, 259 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram – 13 rushes, 68 yards
NYG – David Wilson – 13 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
NO – Joe Morgan – 2 receptions, 106 yards
NYG – Victor Cruz – 8 receptions, 121 yards, TD
The Saints were dominated by the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. They fell to 5-8 with the loss.
Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers
0
0
0 0 0
Saints 7
17
7 10 41
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : December 16Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,096Referee : Mike CareyTV announcers (Fox) : Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, and Laura Okmin
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 25-yard field goal, 13:23. Saints 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:23.
NO – Darren Sproles 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:57. Saints 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:26.
NO – Lance Moore 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:09. Saints 24–0. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 0:55. Third quarter
NO – Joe Morgan 34-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:05. Saints 31–0. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 4:24. Fourth quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 36-yard field goal, 8:09. Saints 34–0. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 2:46.
NO – Mark Ingram 11-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:54. Saints 41–0. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 1:32.
Top passers
TB – Josh Freeman – 26/47, 279 yards, 4 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 26/39, 307 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
TB – LeGarrette Blount – 4 rushes, 25 yards
NO – Mark Ingram – 14 rushes, 90 yards, TD Top receivers
With the win, the Saints improved to 6–8 and swept the Buccaneers for the first time since 2006 and posted their first shutout win since 1995 to the New York Jets 12–0. The Saints did not post another shutout until 2021, when they beat the Buccaneers 9-0. This is also the Saints' largest margin of victory over the Buccaneers in franchise history.
Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
Week Sixteen: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Saints 7
10
7 7 3 34
Cowboys
0
14
3 14 0 31
at Cowboys Stadium , Arlington, Texas
Date : December 23Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 92,570Referee : Walt Coleman TV announcers (Fox) : Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
DAL – Dez Bryant 58-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 12:47. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:28.
DAL – Dez Bryant 58-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 5:43. Cowboys 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:23.
NO – Lance Moore 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:11. Tied 14–14. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 4:32.
NO – Garrett Hartley 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 0:47. Third quarter
DAL – Dan Bailey 47-yard field goal, 10:26. Tied 17–17. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:34.
NO – Pierre Thomas 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:03. Saints 24–17. Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 0:14. Fourth quarter
NO – David Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 11:10. Saints 31–17. Drive: 10 plays, 98 yards, 4:53.
DAL – Dwayne Harris 16-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 3:35. Saints 31–24. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:10.
DAL – Miles Austin 19-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 0:15. Tied 31–31. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:14. Overtime
NO – Garrett Hartley 20-yard field goal, 10:33. Saints 34–31. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:00.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 37/53, 446 yards, 3 TD
DAL – Tony Romo – 26/43, 416 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram II – 21 rushes, 53 yards, TD
DAL – DeMarco Murray – 11 rushes, 40 yards Top receivers
NO – Marques Colston – 11 receptions, 153 yards
DAL – Dez Bryant – 9 receptions, 224 yards, 2 TD
With the win, the Saints improved to 7–8. However, the Saints were eliminated from postseason contention, thus rendering them unable to play Super Bowl XLVII on their own home turf.
Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Panthers 3
10
14 17 44
Saints
0
17
7 14 38
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : December 30Game time : 12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,124Referee : Alberto Riveron TV announcers (Fox) : Ron Pitts, Mike Martz and Krista Voda
Game information
First quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 20-yard field goal, 5:41. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 7:06. Second quarter
CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:18. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:12.
NO – Marques Colston 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:14. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:04.
NO – Jonathan Vilma 18-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:31. Saints 14–10.
CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 0:39. Saints 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:52.
NO – Garrett Hartley 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 0:39. Third quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 10:45. Saints 24–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:15.
CAR – DeAngelo Williams 54-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:48. Saints 24–20. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:57.
CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 2:29. Panthers 27–24. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 1:18. Fourth quarter
CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 10:16. Panthers 34–24. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.
CAR – DeAngelo Williams 12-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:23. Panthers 41–24. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:06.
NO – Marques Colston 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:10. Panthers 41–31. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:13.
CAR – Graham Gano 42-yard field goal, 4:08. Panthers 44–31. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:02.
NO – Darren Sproles 33-yard pass from Drew Brees, 2:52. Panthers 44–38. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:16.
Top passers
CAR – Cam Newton – 16/33, 248 yards, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 29/43, 396 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 21 rushes, 210 yards, 2 TD
NO – Mark Ingram – 10 carries, 39 yards Top receivers
With the loss, the Saints finished with their first losing season since 2007 at 7–9. Also, the team was swept by the Panthers for the first time since 2008.
