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2021 New Orleans Saints season

55th season in franchise history From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2021 season was the New Orleans Saints' 55th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 46th playing home games at Caesars Superdome and the 15th and final season under head coach Sean Payton. After starting the season 5–2, the Saints fell into a five game losing streak after losing starting quarterback Jameis Winston to a torn ACL in Week 8 vs. Winston's former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also failed to improve on their 12–4 record from the previous season, as well as failing to win the division title for the first time since 2016. Despite winning four of their last five games, the Saints missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. The Saints finished tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 7th seed in the NFC, but lost the tiebreaker based on the teams' Week 11 head-to-head meeting—won by the Eagles. The team started a record of 58 different players (due to injuries and COVID-19) and ranked in the bottom 5 in total offense.

OwnerGayle Benson
General managerMickey Loomis
Head coachSean Payton
Offensive coordinatorPete Carmichael Jr.
Quick facts New Orleans Saints season, Owner ...
2021 New Orleans Saints season
OwnerGayle Benson
General managerMickey Loomis
Head coachSean Payton
Offensive coordinatorPete Carmichael Jr.
Defensive coordinatorDennis Allen
Home stadium
Results
Record9–8
Division place2nd NFC South
PlayoffsDid not qualify
All-ProsLB Demario Davis (2nd team)
ST J. T. Gray (1st team)
Pro Bowlers
4
Uniform
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This was the first season since 2005 without long-time quarterback Drew Brees on the roster. He announced his retirement on March 14, after playing 20 years in the league. A 13-time Pro Bowler, Brees broke several records during his tenure in New Orleans, led the franchise to its first and only Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XLIV and also retired as the league's all-time leader in passing yards, a record that would be broken by quarterback Tom Brady in Week 4 of the 2021 season against his former team, the New England Patriots. Brees was also the last remaining active player from the 2001 draft class.[1][2][3]

Despite having three years left in his contract, this was also long-time head coach Sean Payton's final season with the Saints, as he announced his departure from the team on January 25, 2022, after 16 years of coaching the team. In his tenure, Payton led the Saints to nine playoff appearances and to the franchise's first and only Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLIV.

Roster changes

Free agency

Unrestricted

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
MLB Alex Anzalone Detroit Lions March 24 1 year, $1.75 million[4]
CB Johnson Bademosi
FB Michael Burton Kansas City Chiefs April 1 1 year, $990k[5]
CB Ken Crawley New Orleans Saints May 17 1 year, $990k[6]
WR Bennie Fowler San Francisco 49ers May 21 1 year, $990k[7]
CB Justin Hardee New York Jets March 16 3 years, $6.75 million[8]
DE Trey Hendrickson Cincinnati Bengals March 15 4 years, $60 million[9]
DT Sheldon Rankins New York Jets March 21 2 years, $17 million[10]
MLB Craig Robertson
FS D. J. Swearinger Indianapolis Colts (PS) December 29 1 year, $28k[11]
FS Marcus Williams New Orleans Saints March 9 1 year franchise tag, $10.612 million[12]
FS P. J. Williams New Orleans Saints March 18 1 year, $2.3 million[13]
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Restricted

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
C Will Clapp New Orleans Saints April 20 1 year, $920k[14]
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Futures

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Date signed
LB Andrew Dowell January 19
DT Ryan Glasgow January 19
TE Garrett Griffin January 19
CB Grant Haley January 19
OLB Chase Hansen January 19
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey January 19
RB Tony Jones Jr. January 19
WR Jake Lampman January 19
DT Christian Ringo January 19
QB Trevor Siemian January 19
T Calvin Throckmorton January 19
DE Marcus Willoughby January 19
TE Ethan Wolf January 19
LB Wynton McManis January 20
CB Keith Washington Jr. January 22
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Signings

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player 2020 team Date signed Contract
FB Alexander Armah Carolina Panthers March 16 1 year, $1.1275 million[15]
TE Nick Vannett Denver Broncos March 24 3 years, $8 million[16]
DE Tanoh Kpassagnon Kansas City Chiefs March 29 2 years, $4.5 million[17]
WR Jalen McCleskey Atlanta Falcons April 15 1 year, $660k[18]
G Christian Montano Pittsburgh Steelers April 20 1 year, $660k[19]
DT Albert Huggins Detroit Lions May 6 1 year, $780k[20]
LB Sutton Smith Seattle Seahawks May 6 1 year, $660k[21]
WR Easop Winston Los Angeles Rams May 6 1 year, $660k[22]
OT Kyle Murphy Houston Texans May 16 1 year, $850k[23]
LB Quentin Poling Minnesota Vikings May 16 1 year, $660k[24]
CB Brian Poole New York Jets July 25 1 year, $1.1275 million[25]
DE Kendall Donnerson Carolina Panthers July 26 1 year, $660k[26]
WR Chris Hogan New York Jets July 26 1 year, $1.075 million[27]
WR Tommylee Lewis New Orleans Saints July 30 1 year, $990k[28]
RB Devonta Freeman Buffalo Bills July 31 1 year, $1.075 million[29]
CB Prince Amukamara Arizona Cardinals August 1 1 year, $1.075 million[30]
CB KeiVarae Russell Green Bay Packers August 1 1 year, $920k[31]
G J. R. Sweezy Arizona Cardinals August 2 1 year, $1.075 million[32]
CB Adonis Alexander San Francisco 49ers August 4 1 year, $780k[33]
TE Josh Pederson San Francisco 49ers August 6 1 year, $660k[34]
K Brett Maher Arizona Cardinals August 9 1 year, $850k[35]
DE R. J. McIntosh New York Giants August 12 1 year, $920k[36]
WR Kevin White San Francisco 49ers August 17 1 year, $990k[37]
T Caleb Benenoch Buffalo Bills August 18 1 year, $990k[38]
CB Natrell Jamerson Carolina Panthers August 18 1 year, $920k[39]
CB Bryan Mills Seattle Seahawks August 18 1 year, $660k[40]
T Jordan Mills Baltimore Ravens August 18 1 year, $1.075 million[41]
S Jeff Heath Las Vegas Raiders August 20 1 year, $1.075 million[42]
K Aldrick Rosas Jacksonville Jaguars August 20 1 year, $990k[43]
DT Damion Square Cleveland Browns August 27 1 year, $1.075 million[44]
DT Montravius Adams New England Patriots September 1 1 year, $990k[45]
FB Adam Prentice Denver Broncos September 1 3 years, $2.435 million[46]
CB Desmond Trufant Chicago Bears September 6 1 year, $1.075 million[47]
CB Jordan Miller Practice squad September 11 1 year, $850k[48]
DE Jalyn Holmes Practice squad October 5 1 year, $920k[49]
RB Devine Ozigbo Jacksonville Jaguars October 5 1 year, $850k[50]
K Cody Parkey Cleveland Browns October 5 1 year, $990k[51]
WR Kenny Stills Practice squad October 9 1 year, $1.075 million[52]
K Brian Johnson Chicago Bears October 12 1 year, $660k[53]
G James Carpenter Practice squad December 18 1 year, $1.075 million[54]
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Practice squad additions

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Last team Date signed Contract
CB Ka'dar Hollman Houston Texans September 6 TBC[55]
DE Jalyn Holmes Minnesota Vikings September 6 1 year, $224k[49]
DT Jaleel Johnson Houston Texans September 6 1 year, $240k[56]
CB Dylan Mabin Minnesota Vikings September 6 1 year, $27.6k[57]
CB Jordan Miller Seattle Seahawks September 6 1 year, $147.2k[48]
WR Kenny Stills Buffalo Bills September 13 1 year, $238k[52]
C Austin Reiter Kansas City Chiefs September 14 1 year, $238k[58]
RB Ryquell Armstead New York Giants October 6 1 year, $128k[59]
G Forrest Lamp Buffalo Bills October 19 1 year, $168k[60]
RB Lamar Miller Washington Football Team October 19 1 year, $168k[61]
LB Lakiem Williams Seattle Seahawks October 19 1 year, $110.4k[62]
RB Josh Adams New York Jets November 9 1 year, $126k[63]
WR Malcolm Perry New England Patriots November 23 1 year, $64k[64]
LB Sharif Finch Tennessee Titans November 29 1 year, $55.2k[65]
G James Carpenter Baltimore Ravens December 8 1 year, $70k[54]
T Jerald Hawkins New England Patriots December 8 1 year, $70k[66]
DT Braxton Hoyett Baltimore Ravens December 22 1 year, $27.6k[67]
QB Blake Bortles Green Bay Packers December 24 1 year, $40k[68]
LB Justin March San Francisco 49ers December 27 1 year, $28k[69]
DT Ethan Westbrooks Las Vegas Raiders December 27 1 year, $28k[70]
C Cohl Cabral Minnesota Vikings December 31 1 year, $18.4k[71]
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Released/Waived

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player 2021 team Date released
G Nick Easton February 12[72]
TE Jason Vander Laan February 12[73]
TE Cole Wick February 12[74]
TE Jared Cook Los Angeles Chargers March 3[75]
TE Josh Hill Detroit Lions March 3[76]
P Thomas Morstead New York Jets March 4[77]
CB Janoris Jenkins Tennessee Titans March 11[78]
MLB Kwon Alexander New Orleans Saints March 16[79]
WR Emmanuel Sanders Buffalo Bills March 16[80]
S Eric Burrell New Orleans Saints May 14[81]
CB Trill Williams Miami Dolphins May 14[82]
DT Lorenzo Neal Jr. Denver Broncos August 2[83]
CB Lawrence Woods New Orleans Saints August 2[84]
DE Kendall Donnerson Carolina Panthers August 5[26]
CB Keith Washington Jr. August 13[85]
CB Prince Amukamara August 15[30]
RB Stevie Scott III Denver Broncos August 15[86]
DE Noah Spence Cincinnati Bengals August 15[87]
WR Jake Lampman August 18[88]
CB Lawrence Woods August 18[84]
G Mike Brown August 20[89]
TE Josh Pederson August 20[34]
CB Adonis Alexander August 21[33]
K Brett Maher New Orleans Saints August 21[35]
WR Jalen McCleskey August 21[18]
LB Quentin Poling August 21[24]
WR Tommylee Lewis Miami Dolphins (PS) August 23[28]
P Nolan Cooney August 24[90]
OT Kyle Murphy Practice squad August 25[23]
FB Sutton Smith Las Vegas Raiders (PS) August 27[21]
S Eric Burrell August 30[81]
CB Natrell Jamerson New York Jets (PS) August 30[39]
G Derrick Kelly II Practice squad August 30[91]
DE R. J. McIntosh Green Bay Packers (PS) August 30[36]
LB Shaq Smith August 30[92]
FB Alexander Armah New Orleans Saints August 31[15]
WR Kawaan Baker Practice squad August 31[93]
T Caleb Benenoch New Orleans Saints August 31[38]
DT Josiah Bronson New Orleans Saints August 31[94]
RB Devonta Freeman Baltimore Ravens (PS) August 31[29]
CB Grant Haley Los Angeles Rams (PS) August 31[95]
WR Chris Hogan New Orleans Saints August 31[27]
DT Albert Huggins New Orleans Saints August 31[20]
LB Wynton McManis Practice squad August 31[96]
CB Bryan Mills Practice squad August 31[40]
T Jordan Mills New Orleans Saints August 31[41]
G Christian Montano August 31[19]
CB KeiVarae Russell New Orleans Saints August 31[31]
QB Trevor Siemian New Orleans Saints August 31[97]
DT Damion Square Chicago Bears (PS) August 31[44]
G J. R. Sweezy August 31[32]
S Deuce Wallace August 31[98]
WR Kevin White New Orleans Saints August 31[37]
WR Easop Winston Practice squad August 31[22]
TE Ethan Wolf Practice squad August 31[99]
K Aldrick Rosas New Orleans Saints September 1[43]
CB Bryce Thompson Practice squad September 1[100]
DE Marcus Willoughby September 1[101]
RB Latavius Murray Baltimore Ravens September 7[102]
S Jeff Heath New Orleans Saints September 10[42]
DT Montravius Adams New Orleans Saints September 11[45]
CB Jordan Miller New Orleans Saints September 13[48]
FB Adam Prentice New Orleans Saints September 14[46]
MLB Wynton McManis Practice squad September 20[96]
CB Jordan Miller Practice squad September 20[48]
K Aldrick Rosas Detroit Lions (PS) October 5[43]
DT Christian Ringo New Orleans Saints October 9[103]
K Cody Parkey October 12[51]
CB Brian Poole New England Patriots (PS) October 12[25]
CB Desmond Trufant Las Vegas Raiders October 12[47]
C Will Clapp New Orleans Saints October 25[14]
DT Albert Huggins New Orleans Saints October 25[20]
RB Devine Ozigbo Jacksonville Jaguars October 30[50]
OLB Chase Hansen Practice squad November 9[104]
DT Christian Ringo New Orleans Saints November 13[103]
DT Montravius Adams Practice squad November 16[45]
K Brian Johnson Chicago Bears (PS) November 19[53]
CB Ken Crawley New Orleans Saints November 20[6]
WR Kevin White New Orleans Saints November 20[37]
CB KeiVarae Russell Practice squad November 23[31]
FB Alexander Armah Washington Football Team (PS) November 30[15]
WR Kevin White Practice squad November 30[37]
WR Kenny Stills New Orleans Saints December 7[52]
DT Malcolm Roach Practice squad December 7[105]
C Will Clapp Practice squad December 13[14]
DT Josiah Bronson Cleveland Browns December 14[94]
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Practice squad releases

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player 2021 team Date released
LB Wynton McManis New Orleans Saints September 6[96]
CB Bryan Mills Cleveland Browns (PS) September 6[40]
DT Jaleel Johnson Houston Texans September 14[56]
CB Ka'dar Hollman New York Giants (PS) September 28[55]
C Austin Reiter Miami Dolphins October 5[58]
G Derrick Kelly II New York Giants (PS) October 12[91]
LB Wynton McManis Miami Dolphins (PS) October 12[96]
RB Ryquell Armstead Green Bay Packers (PS) October 28[59]
LB Lakiem Williams Seattle Seahawks (PS) October 28[62]
RB Lamar Miller November 16[61]
DT Montravius Adams Pittsburgh Steelers November 29[45]
CB Dylan Mabin Practice squad December 14[57]
RB Josh Adams Practice squad December 24[63]
DT Braxton Hoyett Practice squad December 24[67]
DT Braxton Hoyett Practice squad December 28[67]
LB Justin March Las Vegas Raiders December 28[69]
T Kyle Murphy December 28[23]
WR Malcolm Perry December 28[64]
RB Josh Adams January 4[63]
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Contract extensions

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Date signed Contract
DE Noah Spence March 2 1 year, $990k[87]
SS J. T. Gray March 3 2 years, $4 million[106]
RB Ty Montgomery March 6 1 year, $1.1275 million[107]
RB Dwayne Washington March 9 1 year, $990k[108]
QB Taysom Hill March 14 1 year, $12.159 million[109]
T James Hurst March 15 3 years, $9 million[110]
QB Jameis Winston March 15 1 year, $5.5 million[111]
T Ryan Ramczyk June 30 5 years, $96 million[112]
CB Marshon Lattimore September 12 5 years, $97.6 million[113]
QB Taysom Hill November 22 4 years, $40 million[109]
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Retirements

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Date retired
QB Drew Brees March 14
T Alex Hoffman May 17
DT Ryan Glasgow August 7
CB Patrick Robinson August 10
WR Chris Hogan October 23
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Player trades

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player From/to Date traded For
DT Malcom Brown Jacksonville Jaguars March 16 2021 Seventh-round selection (pick 229) to Saints
CB Bradley Roby Houston Texans September 8 2022 Third-round selection and 2023 Sixth-round selection to Texans
RB Mark Ingram II Houston Texans October 27 2024 Seventh-round selection to Texans
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Draft

Main article: 2021 NFL draft
More information Round, Selection ...
2021 New Orleans Saints Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege Notes
128 Payton TurnerDEHouston
260 Pete WernerLBOhio State
376 Paulson AdeboCBStanford from Denver
4133 Ian BookQBNotre Dame
6206 Landon YoungOTKentucky from Indianapolis
7255 Kawaan BakerWRSouth Alabama
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Notes

  • The Saints traded their third-round selection, along with a 2020 third-round selection, to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the Browns' 2020 third- and seventh-round selections.[114]
  • The Saints traded a conditional fifth-round selection and linebacker Kiko Alonso to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for linebacker Kwon Alexander.[115]
  • The Saints received third-round selections in 2021 and 2022 as compensation when its director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as general manager.[116]
  • The Saints traded their sixth-round selection to the Houston Texans for the Texan's 2020 seventh-round selection.[117][118]
  • The Saints originally forfeited their seventh-round selection as the punishment for repeated COVID-19 protocol violations during the 2020 season,[119] but the punishment was amended to a $700,000 fine and forfeiture of their 2022 sixth-round selection.[120]
  • The Saints received a seventh-round selection from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Malcom Brown.[121]
  • The Saints received a third-round selection (pick 76) from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a two third-round selections (picks 98 & 105).[122]
  • The Saints received a sixth-round selection (pick 206) from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a sixth-round selection (pick 218) and a seventh-round selection (pick 229).[122]

Undrafted free agent signings

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player College Date signed Contract
DT Josiah Bronson Washington May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.45 million[94]
OL Mike Brown West Virginia May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[89]
S Eric Burrell Wisconsin May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[81]
P Nolan Cooney Syracuse May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[90]
OL Alex Hoffman Carroll College May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.426 million[123]
RB Stevie Scott III Indiana May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[86]
LB Shaq Smith Maryland May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[92]
TE Dylan Soehner Iowa State May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.445 million[124]
CB Bryce Thompson Tennessee May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[100]
CB Trill Williams Syracuse May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[82]
CB Lawrence Woods Truman State May 2, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[84]
S Deuce Wallace Louisiana May 13, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[98]
DT Lorenzo Neal Jr. Purdue May 16, 2021 3 years, $2.425 million[83]
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Staff

2021 New Orleans Saints staff

Front office

  • Owner – Gayle Benson
  • President – Dennis Lauscha
  • Executive vice president/general manager – Mickey Loomis
  • Senior vice president/chief operating officer – Ben Hales
  • Asst. general manager/college scouting director – Jeff Ireland
  • Vice president of football administration – Khai Harley
  • Director of operations – James Nagaoka
  • Director of pro scouting – Justin Matthews
  • Pro scout – Michael Parenton

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Dan Dalrymple
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Charles Byrd
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Rob Wenning

Final roster

2021 New Orleans Saints roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams (ST)

 Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
51 active, 13 reserve, 16 practice squad (2 exempt)

Preseason

More information Week, Date ...
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 14 at Baltimore Ravens L 14–17 0–1 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
2 August 23 Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–21 1–1 Caesars Superdome Recap
3 August 28 Arizona Cardinals Cancelled due to Hurricane Ida[125]
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Regular season

Schedule

The Saints' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

More information Week, Date ...
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 12 Green Bay Packers W 38–3 1–0 TIAA Bank Field[A] Recap
2 September 19 at Carolina Panthers L 7–26 1–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
3 September 26 at New England Patriots W 28–13 2–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
4 October 3 New York Giants L 21–27 (OT) 2–2 Caesars Superdome Recap
5 October 10 at Washington Football Team W 33–22 3–2 FedExField Recap
6 Bye
7 October 25 at Seattle Seahawks W 13–10 4–2 Lumen Field Recap
8 October 31 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 36–27 5–2 Caesars Superdome Recap
9 November 7 Atlanta Falcons L 25–27 5–3 Caesars Superdome Recap
10 November 14 at Tennessee Titans L 21–23 5–4 Nissan Stadium Recap
11 November 21 at Philadelphia Eagles L 29–40 5–5 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
12 November 25 Buffalo Bills L 6–31 5–6 Caesars Superdome Recap
13 December 2 Dallas Cowboys L 17–27 5–7 Caesars Superdome Recap
14 December 12 at New York Jets W 30–9 6–7 MetLife Stadium Recap
15 December 19 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 9–0 7–7 Raymond James Stadium Recap
16 December 27 Miami Dolphins L 3–20 7–8 Caesars Superdome Recap
17 January 2 Carolina Panthers W 18–10 8–8 Caesars Superdome Recap
18 January 9 at Atlanta Falcons W 30–20 9–8 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
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Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 1: Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Packers 0 3 003
Saints 3 14 71438
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at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida[A]

More information Game information ...
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Despite being in Jacksonville due to the impacts of Hurricane Ida, the Saints still started their regular season 1–0 with the victory against Green Bay. Jameis Winston notched his first win as a Saints quarterback and set an odd record for least yards thrown (148) in a 5 passing TD game since 1948.[128] This was also the Saints first victory over the Packers since the 2017 season.

Week 2: at Carolina Panthers

Week 2: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 0 077
Panthers 7 10 0926
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at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

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With Sam Darnold as the Panthers starting quarterback, the Saints struggled with turnovers and scoring. With the loss, their record fell to 1–1. This was the Saints first loss against the Panthers since the 2018 season.

Week 3: at New England Patriots

Week 3: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 7728
Patriots 0 3 3713
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at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

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For the first time since the 2009 season, the Saints beat the Patriots. This also marked the Saints' first road game victory against New England. This victory improved their record to 2–1.

Week 4: vs. New York Giants

Week 4: New York Giants at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, OT ...
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Giants 0 7 311627
Saints 0 7 77021
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

More information Game information ...
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The Saints returned to the Superdome shortly after repairs from the hurricane and fire from a pressure washer mishap, but ultimately lost to the Giants in overtime due to Aldrick Rosas missing field goals. Suffering their first loss to the Giants since 2016, it also dropped their record to 2–2 and prompted the team to cut Rosas for a replacement kicker.

Week 5: at Washington Football Team

Week 5: New Orleans Saints at Washington Football Team – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 13 01333
Washington 6 7 3622
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at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

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The Saints matched up with Washington for the first time since the 2018 season, but faced quarterback Taylor Heinicke due to Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury in Week 1. The Saints also brought in Cody Parkey, who missed a few field goals or PAT's. With the win, they improved to 3–2.

Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 7: New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 10 0313
Seahawks 7 0 3010
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at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington

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For the first time since the 2013 season, the Saints played the Seahawks on a Monday Night game. It's also their 3-point victory. They also replaced Cody Parkey with rookie kicker, Brian Johnson. They also bumped their record to 4–2.

Week 8: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 8: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 7 0 14627
Saints 7 9 71336
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,170
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
  • Recap, Game Book
More information Game information ...
Game information
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They meet Tom Brady again for the first time since the Divisional Round. Jameis Winston was hurt after a horse-collar tackle slammed him to the ground, prompting Trevor Siemian to start for the rest of the game and beyond. The Buccaneers were stunned after P.J. Williams scored a pick six. With the victory, they improve to 5–2.

Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 9: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Falcons 3 7 71027
Saints 0 0 32225
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,170
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Sara Walsh
  • Recap, Game Book
More information Game information ...
Game information
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The Saints were defeated by the Falcons for the first time since the 2019 season. It was also the first struggle of the season to gain victories. They dropped to 5–3.

Week 10: at Tennessee Titans

Week 10: New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 6 6921
Titans 3 10 7323
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at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

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The Saints lose to the Titans for the first time six seasons ago. Their kicker, Brian Johnson also struggled to kick PAT's. Their record drops to 5–4.

Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 11: New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 7 02229
Eagles 14 13 6740
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at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,796
  • Referee: Scott Novak
  • TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Game Book
More information Game information ...
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Although the Saints got kicker Brett Maher from the Cowboys, the Saints still lost and downgraded their record to 5–5.

Week 12: vs. Buffalo Bills

Thanksgiving Day games

Week 12: Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 7 3 14731
Saints 0 0 066
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

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The Saints host the Bills in the Superdome. This was also Drew Brees' return to New Orleans as a broadcast partner for NBC. The Saints unfortunately gave up to the Bills and went down to 5–6. This was also their first loss to Buffalo since the 1998 season.

Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 6 7727
Saints 0 7 3717
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,170
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
More information Game information ...
Game information
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After Trevor Siemian struggled to win those games, Taysom Hill was placed as a starter. They would lose to the Cowboys for the first time since the 2018 season, which brought their record down to 5–7.

Week 14: at New York Jets

Week 14: New Orleans Saints at New York Jets – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 3 7 31730
Jets 0 6 039
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at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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The Saints break the five-game loss streak with the victory against the Jets. They improve to 6–7.

Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 15: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 3 3 039
Buccaneers 0 0 000
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at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 75 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,744
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (NBC): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
  • Recap, Game Book
More information Game information ...
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Despite the Buccaneers being the defending Super Bowl champions from last season, the Saints still swept them. With a rare shutout victory, they improve to 7–7.

Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 16: Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 10 0 7320
Saints 0 3 003
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 7:15 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 69,170
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Laura Rutledge, and John Parry
  • Recap, Game Book
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For the first time since the 2005 season, the Saints lost to the Dolphins. This was due, in part, to at least 20 players being on the COVID-19 reserve list. This dropped them to 7–8.

Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 17: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 7 0010
Saints 3 6 3618
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at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

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Meeting the Panthers again from a 26-7 loss in Week 2, the Saints defeated the Panthers under Taysom Hill. They improved to 8–8.

Week 18: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 18: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 17 0630
Falcons 3 3 7720
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at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

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Previously, the Saints lost to the Falcons by two points in Week 9. Despite winning the game, the team was eliminated from the playoffs when the 49ers defeated the Rams, claiming the final playoff spot. They finished with a 9–8 record and maintained a winning season, despite not making the playoffs. Taysom Hill also got hurt, prompting Trevor Siemian to start for the remainder of the game. Paulson Adebo stuns the Falcons with a one-handed interception.

Standings

Division

More information NFC South, W ...
NFC South
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13 4 0 .765 4–2 8–4 511 353 W3
New Orleans Saints 9 8 0 .529 4–2 7–5 364 335 W2
Atlanta Falcons 7 10 0 .412 2–4 4–8 313 459 L2
Carolina Panthers 5 12 0 .294 2–4 3–9 304 404 L7
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Conference

More information #, Team ...
NFC
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division winners
1[a] Green Bay Packers North 13 4 0 .765 4–2 9–3 .479 .480 L1
2[a] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 13 4 0 .765 4–2 8–4 .467 .443 W3
3[b] Dallas Cowboys East 12 5 0 .706 6–0 10–2 .488 .431 W1
4[b] Los Angeles Rams West 12 5 0 .706 3–3 8–4 .483 .409 L1
Wild cards
5 Arizona Cardinals West 11 6 0 .647 4–2 7–5 .490 .492 L1
6 San Francisco 49ers West 10 7 0 .588 2–4 7–5 .500 .438 W2
7[c] Philadelphia Eagles East 9 8 0 .529 3–3 7–5 .469 .350 L1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[c] New Orleans Saints South 9 8 0 .529 4–2 7–5 .512 .516 W2
9 Minnesota Vikings North 8 9 0 .471 4–2 6–6 .507 .434 W1
10[d] Washington Football Team East 7 10 0 .412 2–4 6–6 .529 .420 W1
11[d][e] Seattle Seahawks West 7 10 0 .412 3–3 4–8 .519 .424 W2
12[d][e] Atlanta Falcons South 7 10 0 .412 2–4 4–8 .472 .315 L2
13 Chicago Bears North 6 11 0 .353 2–4 4–8 .524 .373 L1
14 Carolina Panthers South 5 12 0 .294 2–4 3–9 .509 .412 L7
15 New York Giants East 4 13 0 .235 1–5 3–9 .536 .485 L6
16 Detroit Lions North 3 13 1 .206 2–4 3–9 .528 .627 W1
Tiebreakers[f]
  1. [a]
    Green Bay finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on conference record (9–3 vs. 8–4), claiming the No. 1 seed.
  2. [b]
    Dallas claimed the No. 3 seed over LA Rams based on conference record (10–2 vs. 8–4).
  3. [c]
    Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory, claiming the 7th and final playoff spot.
  4. [d]
    Washington finished ahead of Atlanta and Seattle based on head-to-head victories.
  5. [e]
    Seattle finished ahead of Atlanta based on win percentage in common games (4–2 vs. 3–3 against: San Francisco, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Washington, and Detroit).
  6. [f]
    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.
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Notes

  1. [A]
    Due to Hurricane Ida, the Saints' Week 1 game vs. the Green Bay Packers was relocated to TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.[126] While Caesars Superdome did not receive any direct damage, power outages were not expected to be resolved within the city of New Orleans by the day of kickoff.[127]

References

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