NFL team season
The 2013 season was the New Orleans Saints ' 47th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 38th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome . It also marked the seventh season under head coach Sean Payton , who returned to the team after serving a one-year suspension for his involvement in the team's 2012 bounty scandal .
The Saints improved their 7–9 record from last season, going 11–5 and making the playoffs as the sixth seed. They earned the franchise's first-ever road postseason victory, with a 26–24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, ending the drought at 0–5. However, the Saints were eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, by a score of 23–15. The 2013 season was also the second time in three years the Saints went 8–0 at home. This was the Saints last playoff appearance and winning season until 2017.
2013 draft class
[1]
Notes
The Saints did not have selections in the second, fourth, or seventh rounds. They forfeited their second-round selection as part of the punishment for the team's 2012 bounty scandal . They acquired the No. 82 selection in a trade that sent two fourth-round selections, Nos. 106 and 109 overall, to the Miami Dolphins . The No. 106 selection had been acquired in a trade that sent running back Chris Ivory to the New York Jets . The Saints traded their seventh-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for linebacker Barrett Ruud .
Regular season
Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Game information
First quarter
ATL – Tony Gonzalez 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 8:32. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 3:06.
ATL – Matt Bryant 23-yard field goal, 1:28. Falcons 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 3:57. Second quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 48-yard field goal, 10:53. Falcons 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 5:35.
NO – Marques Colston 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:10. Tied 10–10. Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards, 1:26.
NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 1:47. Saints 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 4:02. Third quarter
ATL – Julio Jones 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:41. Falcons 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards, 1:58.
NO – Jimmy Graham 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:22. Saints 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:19. Fourth quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 22-yard field goal, 3:12. Saints 23–17. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 6:12.
Top passers
ATL – Matt Ryan – 25/38, 304 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 26/35, 357 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
With the win against Atlanta, the Saints began their season to 1-0.
Week 2: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 41-yard field goal, 8:04. Saints 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 17 yards, 3:45. Fourth quarter
TB – Mason Foster 85-yard interception return (Rian Lindell kick), 12:40. Buccaneers 14–13.
NO – Garrett Hartley 27-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 16–14. Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:06.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 26/46, 322 yards, TD, 2 INT
TB – Josh Freeman – 9/22, 125 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
Coming off a Week 1 win against Atlanta, the Saints face the Buccaneers. The Saints narrowly won over the Buccaneers 16–14, thus improving them to 2-0.
Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week Three: Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Cardinals
7
0
0 0 7
Saints 7
7
3 14 31
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:52. Saints 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:16. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 4:03. Saints 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:48. Fourth quarter
NO – Drew Brees 7-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 14:42. Saints 24–7. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 2:18.
NO – Jimmy Graham 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:25. Saints 31–7. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:31.
Top passers
ARI – Carson Palmer – 18/35, 187 yards, 2 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 29/46, 342 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 5 receptions, 64 yards
NO – Jimmy Graham – 9 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD
After a 2-0 start, the Saints faced the Cardinals. With a dominant 31-7 win, they improved to 3-0.
Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Four: Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Dolphins
3
7
0 7 17
Saints 7
14
14 3 38
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 27-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:01. Saints 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:47.
MIA – Lamar Miller 5-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 3:35. Saints 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:26.
NO – Darren Sproles 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:55. Saints 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 0:28. Third quarter
NO – Benjamin Watson 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:44. Saints 28–10. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:23.
NO – Jimmy Graham 43-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:12. Saints 35–10. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:08. Fourth quarter
MIA – Charles Clay 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 13:48. Saints 35–17. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:05.
NO – Garrett Hartley 29-yard field goal, 7:15. Saints 38–17. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:33.
Top passers
MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 22/35, 249 yards, TD, 3 INT
NO – Drew Brees – 30/39, 413 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
MIA – Lamar Miller – 11 rushes, 62 yards, TD
NO – Khiry Robinson – 12 rushes, 37 yards Top receivers
MIA – Brandon Gibson – 6 receptions, 71 yards
NO – Jimmy Graham – 4 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD
With the win, the Saints improved to 4-0.
Week 5: at Chicago Bears
Week Five: New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints 6
14
3 3 26
Bears
0
7
3 8 18
at Soldier Field , Chicago , Illinois
Game information
First quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 47-yard field goal, 7:38. Saints 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:23.
NO – Garrett Hartley 19-yard field goal, 6:00. Saints 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:27. Second quarter
NO – Pierre Thomas 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:57. Saints 13–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:22.
CHI – Alshon Jeffery 3-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 2:41. Saints 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:16.
NO – Pierre Thomas 25-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:23. Saints 20–7. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:18. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 36-yard field goal, 8:03. Saints 23–7. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 6:57.
CHI – Robbie Gould 27-yard field goal, 4:56. Saints 23–10. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 3:07. Fourth quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 48-yard field goal, 3:01. Saints 26–10. Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 5:39.
CHI – Brandon Marshall 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Matt Forte run), 2:11. Saints 26–18. Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 0:50.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 29/35, 288 yards, 2 TD
CHI – Jay Cutler – 24/33, 358 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 19 rushes, 36 yards
CHI – Matt Forte – 12 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 10 receptions, 135 yards
CHI – Alshon Jeffery – 10 receptions, 218 yards, TD
With the win at Chicago, they improve to 5-0. This was the second time the Saints beat the Bears.
Week 6: at New England Patriots
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NE – Stevan Ridley 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:00. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:46.
NE – Stevan Ridley 4-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:36. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 4:52. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 28-yard field goal, 11:27. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:33.
NO – Khiry Robinson 3-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:19. Tied 17–17. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:07.
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 54-yard field goal, 1:36. Patriots 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 4:43. Fourth quarter
NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 8:34. Patriots 23–17. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 3:36.
NO – Kenny Stills 34-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:29. Saints 24–23. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:05.
NO – Garrett Hartley 39-yard field goal, 2:24. Saints 27–23. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:22.
NE – Kenbrell Thompkins 17-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:05. Patriots 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 1:08.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 17/36, 236 yards, 2 TD, INT
NE – Tom Brady – 25/43, 269 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
NO – Khiry Robinson – 7 rushes, 53 yards, TD
NE – Stevan Ridley – 20 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
NO – Kenny Stills – 3 receptions, 64 yards, TD
NE – Aaron Dobson – 6 receptions, 63 yards
The Saints meet the Patriots on the road. Despite stopping Tom Brady and the Patriots offense twice in the last 3 minutes of the game, the Saints defense proceeded to give up a game-winning touchdown pass with 5 seconds left on the clock. With the close loss, the Saints fall to 5-1, their first loss of the season.
Week 8: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week Eight: Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Bills
0
10
0 7 17
Saints 7
14
7 7 35
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
BUF – Stevie Johnson 13-yard pass from Thad Lewis (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:44. Tied 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:07.
BUF – Dan Carpenter 37-yard field goal, 4:35. Bills 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 3:58.
NO – Kenny Stills 69-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:43. Saints 14–10. Drive: 2 plays, 86 yards, 0:52.
NO – Jimmy Graham 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:30. Saints 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 2:48. Third quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:15. Saints 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:25. Fourth quarter
BUF – Fred Jackson 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 14:20. Saints 28–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:55.
NO – Kenny Stills 42-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:34. Saints 35–17. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:58.
Top passers
BUF – Thad Lewis – 22/39, 234 yards, TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 26/34, 332 yards, 5 TD Top rushers
BUF – Fred Jackson – 15 rushes, 45 yards, TD
NO – Pierre Thomas – 14 rushes, 65 yards Top receivers
BUF – Stevie Johnson – 7 receptions, 72 yards, TD
NO – Kenny Stills – 3 receptions, 129 yards, 2 TD
Coming off a loss to New England on the road, they face the Bills at home. With the win, they improve to 6-1.
Week 9: at New York Jets
Week Nine: New Orleans Saints at New York Jets – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
7
3 3 20
Jets 3
17
3 3 26
at MetLife Stadium , East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date : November 3Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : 48 °F (9 °C)Game attendance : 76,957Referee : Clete Blakeman TV announcers (Fox) : Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Molly McGrathRecap , Game book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NYJ – Nick Folk 21-yard field goal, 10:04. Saints 7–6. Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 4:56.
NO – Jimmy Graham 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:51. Saints 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:13.
NYJ – Chris Ivory 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:39. Saints 14–13. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 5:12.
NYJ – Geno Smith 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:37. Jets 20–14. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:35. Third quarter
NYJ – Nick Folk 47-yard field goal, 11:57. Jets 23–14. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:03.
NO – Garrett Hartley 55-yard field goal, 1:46. Jets 23–17. Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 5:00. Fourth quarter
NYJ – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 11:56. Jets 26–17. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:50.
NO – Garrett Hartley 43-yard field goal, 3:06. Jets 26–20. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 3:06.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 30/51, 382 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
NYJ – Geno Smith – 8/19, 115 yards Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 6 rushes, 24 yards
NYJ – Chris Ivory – 18 rushes, 139 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 9 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD
NYJ – Greg Salas – 2 receptions, 57 yards
Coming off with the win against Buffalo, they face the Jets on the road. Despite being significantly favored, the Saints would lose this game, thus making their record 6-2.
Week 10: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week Ten: Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Cowboys
3
7
7 0 17
Saints 7
21
7 14 49
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
DAL – DeMarco Murray 7-yard run (Dan Bailey kick), 14:05. Cowboys 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:18.
NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:09. Saints 14–10. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 8:56.
NO – Darren Sproles 3-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:32. Saints 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 2:29.
NO – Darren Sproles 28-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:05. Saints 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 0:48. Third quarter
NO – Mark Ingram 4-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:12. Saints 35–10. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 2:43.
DAL – Terrance Williams 21-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 0:41. Saints 35–17. Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:31. Fourth quarter
NO – Kenny Stills 52-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 12:43. Saints 42–17. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:30.
NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:44. Saints 49–17. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 5:27.
Top passers
DAL – Tony Romo – 10/24, 128 yards, TD
NO – Drew Brees – 34/41, 392 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
DAL – DeMarco Murray – 16 rushes, 89 yards, TD
NO – Mark Ingram – 14 rushes, 145 yards, TD Top receivers
DAL – Dez Bryant – 1 reception, 44 yards
NO – Marques Colston – 7 receptions, 107 yards, TD
The Saints would dominate the Cowboys at home in the Superdome, recording an NFL-record 40 first downs and 625 total yards of offense. This improves their record to 7-2.
Week 11: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week Eleven: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers
0
10
7 3 20
Saints 7
7
0 9 23
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : November 17Game time : 3:25 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,025Referee : Tony Corrente TV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam OliverRecap , Game book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
SF – Anquan Boldin 11-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 10:16. Tied 7–7. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:10.
SF – Phil Dawson 55-yard field goal, 3:34. 49ers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:51.
NO – Jed Collins 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:58. Saints 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:36. Third quarter
SF – Vernon Davis 17-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 10:52. 49ers 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:51. Fourth quarter
SF – Phil Dawson 29-yard field goal, 13:23. 49ers 20–14. Drive: 13 plays, 49 yards, 6:11.
NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 7:50. 49ers 20–17. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:33.
NO – Garrett Hartley 42-yard field goal, 2:06. Tied 20–20. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 4:42.
NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 1:41.
Top passers
SF – Colin Kaepernick – 17/31, 127 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 30/43, 305 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
Top receivers
SF – Anquan Boldin – 6 receptions, 56 yards, TD
NO – Marques Colston – 5 receptions, 80 yards
The Saints beat the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers with a game-winning field goal. With the victory, they improve to 8-2.
Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Twelve: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints 7
7
3 0 17
Falcons
7
6
0 0 13
at Georgia Dome , Atlanta , Georgia
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – Matt Bryant 39-yard field goal, 12:20. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:57.
NO – Jimmy Graham 44-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 10:12. Saints 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:08.
ATL – Matt Bryant 24-yard field goal, 2:41. Saints 14–13. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 7:31. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 41-yard field goal, 4:37. Saints 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:55. Fourth quarter
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 23/33, 278 yards, 2 TD
ATL – Matt Ryan – 30/39, 292 yards Top rushers
NO – Pierre Thomas – 10 rushes, 73 yards
ATL – Steven Jackson – 16 rushes, 63 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 5 receptions, 100 yards, TD
ATL – Harry Douglas – 9 receptions, 79 yards
The Saints beat the Falcons on the road. This not only brought the Saints' record to 9-2, but they also sweep the Falcons for the first time since the 2011 season.
Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks
Week Thirteen: New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
7
0 0 7
Seahawks 17
10
7 0 34
at CenturyLink Field , Seattle , Washington
Date : December 2Game time : 7:40 p.m. CST/5:40 p.m. PST Game weather : 41 °F (5 °C), cloudyGame attendance : 68,387Referee : Ed Hochuli TV announcers (ESPN) : Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa SaltersRecap , Game book
Game information
First quarter
SEA – Stephen Hauschka 26-yard field goal, 7:47. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:44.
SEA – Michael Bennett 22-yard fumble return (Stephen Hauschka kick), 6:27. Seahawks 10–0.
SEA – Zach Miller 2-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Stephen Hauschka kick), 1:55. Seahawks 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:58. Second quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:45. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 8:10.
SEA – Stephen Hauschka 20-yard field goal, 3:41. Seahawks 20–7. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 5:04.
SEA – Doug Baldwin 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Stephen Hauschka kick), 0:13. Seahawks 27–7. Drive: 12 plays, 88 yards, 1:52. Third quarter
SEA – Derrick Coleman 8-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Stephen Hauschka kick), 7:07. Seahawks 34–7. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:47. Fourth quarter
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 23/38, 147 yards, TD
SEA – Russell Wilson – 22/30, 310 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram – 8 rushes, 22 yards
SEA – Russell Wilson – 8 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 3 receptions, 42 yards, TD
SEA – Zach Miller – 5 receptions, 86 yards, TD
In a Monday Night matchup, the Saints were dominated from the start by the Seahawks. Russell Wilson threw for 310 yard and three touchdowns and rushed for another 47 yards while Seattle's "Legion of Boom" defense limited Drew Brees to 147 yards passing.[2]
Week 14: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Fourteen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Panthers
6
0
0 7 13
Saints 0
21
3 7 31
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date : December 8Game time : 7:30 p.m. CSTGame weather : Played indoors (dome stadium)Game attendance : 73,089Referee : Walt Anderson TV announcers (NBC) : Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele TafoyaRecap , Game book
Game information
First quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 45-yard field goal, 8:42. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 53 yards, 6:18.
CAR – Graham Gano 24-yard field goal, 1:56. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 5:12. Second quarter
NO – Marques Colston 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:35. Saints 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:21.
NO – Marques Colston 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:44. Saints 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 5:44.
NO – Jimmy Graham 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:18. Saints 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 1:43. Third quarter
NO – Garrett Hartley 19-yard field goal, 4:18. Saints 24–6. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 6:01. Fourth quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 8-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:52. Saints 31–6. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:46.
CAR – Steve Smith Sr. 17-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:15. Saints 31–13. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 4:37.
Top passers
CAR – Cam Newton – 22/34, 160 yards, TD
NO – Drew Brees – 30/42, 313 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
Top receivers
CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 6 receptions, 49 yards, TD
NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 125 yards, 2 TD
The Saints would beat the Panthers 31-13, thus improving to 10-3.
Week 15: at St. Louis Rams
Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
3
0 13 16
Rams 14
10
3 0 27
at Edward Jones Dome , St. Louis , Missouri
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
STL – Greg Zuerlein 31-yard field goal, 14:57. Rams 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:48.
NO – Garrett Hartley 45-yard field goal, 10:17. Rams 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:40.
STL – Zac Stacy 40-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:10. Rams 24–3. Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 2:13. Third quarter
STL – Greg Zuerlein 35-yard field goal, 2:42. Rams 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:30. Fourth quarter
NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (run failed), 11:25. Rams 27–9. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:17.
NO – Marques Colston 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:07. Rams 27–16. Drive: 18 plays, 80 yards, 5:07.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 39/56, 393 yards, TD, 2 INT
STL – Kellen Clemens – 14/20, 158 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
NO – Darren Sproles – 7 rushes, 24 yards
STL – Zac Stacy – 28 rushes, 133 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Marques Colston – 8 receptions, 92 yards, TD
STL – Austin Pettis – 4 receptions, 41 yards
The Saints meet the Rams on the road. The Rams, however, were able to pull off an upset victory. The Saints drop to 10-4.
Week 16: at Carolina Panthers
Week Sixteen: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
0
6
0 7 13
Panthers 0
7
3 7 17
at Bank of America Stadium , Charlotte, North Carolina
Date : December 22Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : 72 °F (22 °C), rainyGame attendance : 73,825Referee : Gene SteratoreTV announcers (Fox) : Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam OliverRecap , Game book
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Shayne Graham 40-yard field goal, 10:49. Saints 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 4:22.
NO – Shayne Graham 24-yard field goal, 7:22. Saints 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:27.
CAR – DeAngelo Williams 43-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:45. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:09. Third quarter
CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 7:21. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter
NO – Jimmy Graham 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 6:37. Saints 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 97 yards, 5:59.
CAR – Domenik Hixon 14-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:23. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 0:32.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 30/44, 281 yards, TD, 2 INT
CAR – Cam Newton – 13/22, 181 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram – 13 rushes, 83 yards
CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 12 rushes, 67 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD
CAR – Ted Ginn Jr. – 2 receptions, 66 yards
At Bank of America Stadium, the Saints meet the Panthers again. The Saints fall to a close loss by 4 points, allowing a go-ahead touchdown pass with 23 seconds remaining. This drops their record to 10–5. This loss cost the Saints clinching a playoff berth, the NFC South, and a first-round bye. In addition, the Panthers moved ahead of the Saints in the NFC South.
Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Seventeen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers
7
7
3 0 17
Saints 14
14
7 7 42
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Robert Meachem 41-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 8:04. Saints 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 1:29.
TB – Tim Wright 1-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 3:28. Saints 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.
NO – Kenny Stills 76-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 2:40. Saints 28–14. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:48. Third quarter
TB – Rian Lindell 54-yard field goal, 6:35. Saints 28–17. Drive: 13 plays, 44 yards, 8:25.
NO – Pierre Thomas 8-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 1:22. Saints 35–17. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 5:13. Fourth quarter
NO – Drew Brees 9-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 14:08. Saints 42–17. Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 2:05.
Top passers
TB – Mike Glennon – 22/41, 219 yards, 2 TD, INT
NO – Drew Brees – 24/31, 381 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
Top receivers
TB – Tiquan Underwood – 5 receptions, 93 yards, TD
NO – Kenny Stills – 1 reception, 76 yards, TD
The Saints were able to sweep the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second straight season with the victory. They finish the season 11-5, clinching a playoff berth as the NFC's #6 seed and would face the #3 seeded Eagles in the wild-card round.
Standings
Division
Conference
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division winners
1
Seattle Seahawks
West
13
3
0
.813
4–2
10–2
.490
.445
W1
2
Carolina Panthers
South
12
4
0
.750
5–1
9–3
.494
.451
W3
3
Philadelphia Eagles
East
10
6
0
.625
4–2
9–3
.453
.391
W2
4
Green Bay Packers
North
8
7
1
.531
3–2–1
6–5–1
.453
.371
W1
Wild cards
5
San Francisco 49ers
West
12
4
0
.750
5–1
9–3
.494
.414
W6
6
New Orleans Saints
South
11
5
0
.688
5–1
9–3
.516
.455
W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7
Arizona Cardinals
West
10
6
0
.625
2–4
6–6
.531
.444
L1
8[a]
Chicago Bears
North
8
8
0
.500
2–4
4–8
.465
.469
L2
9
Dallas Cowboys
East
8
8
0
.500
5–1
7–5
.484
.363
L1
10[b] [c]
New York Giants
East
7
9
0
.438
3–3
6–6
.520
.366
W2
11[d]
Detroit Lions
North
7
9
0
.438
4–2
6–6
.457
.402
L4
12
St. Louis Rams
West
7
9
0
.438
1–5
4–8
.551
.446
L1
13
Minnesota Vikings
North
5
10
1
.344
2–3–1
4–7–1
.512
.450
W1
14[e]
Atlanta Falcons
South
4
12
0
.250
1–5
3–9
.553
.313
L2
15
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
South
4
12
0
.250
1–5
2–10
.574
.391
L3
16
Washington Redskins
East
3
13
0
.188
0–6
1–11
.516
.438
L8
Tiebreakers [f]
^ Chicago defeated Dallas head-to-head (Week 14, 45–28 ).
^ The NY Giants and Detroit finished with a better conference record than St. Louis.
^ The NY Giants defeated Detroit head-to-head (Week 16, 23–20 (OT) ).
^ Detroit finished with a better conference record than St. Louis.
^ Atlanta finished with a better conference record than Tampa Bay.
^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
Postseason
Schedule
Game summaries
NFC Wild Card Round: at #3 Philadelphia Eagles
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – Shayne Graham 36-yard field goal, 8:37. Saints 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:45.
PHI – Riley Cooper 10-yard pass from Nick Foles (Alex Henery kick), 1:48. Eagles 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:44.
NO – Shayne Graham 46-yard field goal, 0:00. Eagles 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 1:48. Third quarter
NO – Lance Moore 24-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 10:08. Saints 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 3:34.
NO – Mark Ingram 4-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 3:54. Saints 20–7. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 4:52.
PHI – LeSean McCoy 1-yard run (Alex Henery kick), 0:32. Saints 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:22. Fourth quarter
PHI – Alex Henery 31-yard field goal, 11:14. Saints 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 2:59.
NO – Shayne Graham 35-yard field goal, 8:04. Saints 23–17. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:10.
PHI – Zach Ertz 3-yard pass from Nick Foles (Alex Henery kick), 4:54. Eagles 24–23. Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:10.
NO – Shayne Graham 32-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 26–24. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 4:54.
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees – 20/30, 250 yards, TD, 2 INT
PHI – Nick Foles – 23/33, 195 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram – 18 rushes, 97 yards, TD
PHI – LeSean McCoy – 21 rushes, 77 yards, TD Top receivers
NO – Jimmy Graham – 3 receptions, 44 yards
PHI – Riley Cooper – 6 receptions, 68 yards, TD
In their first playoff matchup since the 2006 season, the Saints defeated the Eagles and earned their first ever postseason win on the road. Drew Brees threw for 250 yards and one touchdown, Mark Ingram rushed for 97 yards and another touchdown, and Shayne Graham went 4-for-4 on field goals, including the game winner with no time left on the clock. Graham started the scoring with a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter. Philadelphia struck back with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Nick Foles to Riley Cooper, but Graham hit another field goal at the end of the half to pull the Saints to within one at 7-6. Early in the third quarter the Saints got their first touchdown when Brees connected with Lance Moore for a 24-yard touchdown pass to take a 13-7 lead, and the Saints extended it to 20-7 on a one-yard run by Ingram. However, Philadelphia came back with a touchdown drive of their own to pull to within six at 20-14 on the strength of a 40-yard completion from Foles to DeShaun Jackson to the Saints 9-yard line and a one-yard run by McCoy for the TD. The Eagles got the ball back in the fourth quarter and pulled to within three on the strength of a 31-yard field goal by Eagles K Alex Henery. The Saints responded with Graham's third field of the night from 35 yards out to make the score 23-17, but Philadelphia went on a 73-yard drive to take the lead, aided by a pass interference on Saints cornerback Corey White and a three-yard touchdown pass from Foles to TE Zach Ertz. On the ensuing kickoff, Saints returner Darren Sproles returned the ball to the Saints 37 and then had fifteen more tacked on because of a horse-collar tackle by the Eagles' Cary Williams. Brees then methodically led the Saints on a 10-play, 34-yard drive to the Eagles' 14 where Graham put his fourth field goal through the uprights for a 26-24 lead as time expired.[4]
NFC Divisional Round: at #1 Seattle Seahawks
Game information
First quarter
SEA – Steven Hauschka 38-yard field goal, 10:19. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 3:20.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 49-yard field goal, 0:37. Seahawks 6–0. Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 4:26. Second quarter
SEA – Marshawn Lynch 15-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 14:17. Seahawks 13–0. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 0:34.
SEA – Steven Hauschka 26-yard field goal, 1:18. Seahawks 16–0. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 4:44. Third quarter
Fourth quarter
NO – Khiry Robinson 1-yard run (Mark Ingram II run), 13:11. Seahawks 16–8. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:27.
SEA – Marshawn Lynch 31-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 2:40. Seahawks 23–8. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:11.
NO – Marques Colston 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 0:26. Seahawks 23–15. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:14.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
In a much different game than the earlier Monday Night Football matchup, the Saints lost to the Seahawks under stormy and freezing conditions in Seattle. Despite Drew Brees' 309 yards passing, the Saints fumbled once and PK Shane Graham missed two field goal attempts. Seattle jumped out to a 16-0 lead on three Stephen Hauschka field goals and a 15-yard touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch. The Saints got back into the game in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard touchdown rush by Khiry Robinson and a two-point conversion run by Mark Ingram. However, Seattle struck again, this time with a 31-yard touchdown rush by Lynch. The Saints scored their final touchdown on a 9-yard pass from Brees to Marques Colston with only 26 seconds remaining, but the Saints had a chance to tie the game when they recovered the onsides kick. A final attempt at a pass followed by laterals fell short as time expired, sending Seattle to the NFC Championship and the Saints home with a 12-6 record. Lynch finished with a game-high 140 yards on 28 attempts for Seattle while Colston caught 11 balls for 144 yards in a losing effort for the Saints.[5]
