2018 New Orleans Saints season

Last updated

2018 New Orleans Saints season
Owner Gayle Benson [1]
General manager Mickey Loomis
Head coach Sean Payton
Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen
Home field Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Results
Record13–3
Division place1st NFC South
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(vs. Eagles) 20–14
Lost NFC Championship
(vs. Rams) 23–26 (OT)
Pro Bowlers
8
AP All-Pros
5
Uniform
Saints 2018 Uniforms - Full Collar Jersey.png

The 2018 season was the New Orleans Saints' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 43rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 12th under head coach Sean Payton.

Contents

This season was the first since 1984 without owner Tom Benson, who died in March. In Week 11, the Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles to reach their first nine-game winning streak since their Super Bowl winning season in 2009, ensuring they clinched their second consecutive winning season for the first time since 2010–2011. They swept their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, after a 31–17 victory on Thanksgiving night for the first time since 2015 while extending their second longest winning streak in franchise history to 10 games, [2] which came to an end when the Saints lost to the Dallas Cowboys 13–10, on November 29. On December 9, the Saints clinched their second straight NFC South division championship when they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their first back-to-back division titles in franchise history. On December 17, after beating the Carolina Panthers, the Saints improved on their 11–5 record from 2017. After a Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Saints clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The Saints finished the season with a 13–3 record, tied for the most wins in a season in franchise history.

In the playoffs, the Saints defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 20–14 in the Divisional Round. However, the Saints' season came to an end in a 26–23 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game in controversial fashion, which ended their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XLIV. Additionally, it marked the first time since 1992 that the Saints lost a postseason game at home.

Draft

2018 New Orleans Saints Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
1 14 Marcus Davenport DE UTSA
391 Tre'Quan Smith WR UCF
4127 Rick Leonard OT FSU
5164 Natrell Jamerson S Wisconsin
6189 Kamrin Moore CB Boston College
6201 Boston Scott RB Louisiana Tech
7245 Will Clapp C LSU

Notes

Staff

2018 New Orleans Saints staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2018 New Orleans Saints final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 10 inactive, 12 practice squad

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1August 9at Jacksonville Jaguars W 24–201–0 TIAA Bank Field Recap
2August 17 Arizona Cardinals L 15–201–1 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
3August 25at Los Angeles Chargers W 36–72–1 StubHub Center Recap
4August 30 Los Angeles Rams W 28–03–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap

Regular season

Schedule

The Saints' 2018 schedule was released on April 19.

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1 September 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 40–480–1 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
2 September 16 Cleveland Browns W 21–181–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
3 September 23at Atlanta Falcons W 43–37 (OT)2–1 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
4 September 30at New York Giants W 33–183–1 MetLife Stadium Recap
5 October 8 Washington Redskins W 43–194–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
6 Bye
7 October 21at Baltimore Ravens W 24–235–1 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
8 October 28at Minnesota Vikings W 30–206–1 U.S. Bank Stadium Recap
9 November 4 Los Angeles Rams W 45–357–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
10 November 11at Cincinnati Bengals W 51–148–1 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
11 November 18 Philadelphia Eagles W 48–79–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
12 November 22 Atlanta Falcons W 31–1710–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
13 November 29at Dallas Cowboys L 10–1310–2 AT&T Stadium Recap
14 December 9at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 28–1411–2 Raymond James Stadium Recap
15 December 17at Carolina Panthers W 12–912–2 Bank of America Stadium Recap
16 December 23 Pittsburgh Steelers W 31–2813–2Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
17 December 30 Carolina Panthers L 14–3313–3Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Buccaneers141710748
Saints101401640

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

With the loss to the Buccaneers, the Saints started their season off with 0-1.

Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Two: Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns336618
Saints3001821

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: September 16
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,086
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win against the Browns, they improved to 1-1.

Week 3: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Three: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period1234OTTotal
Saints79714643
Falcons77716037

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

In this game, both teams tied in the 4th quarter, resulting in a Saints victory against the Falcons in overtime. They improved to 2-1.

Week 4: at New York Giants

Week Four: New Orleans Saints at New York Giants – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints01271433
Giants703818

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

The Saints played at the Giants for the first time since 2016. In the 1st quarter, they trailed by 7, but for the remainder of the game, they were able to make a comeback against them. Therefore, they won this game and brought their record to 3-1.

Week 5: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Five: Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Redskins3100619
Saints62014343

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

This game was one year removed from last season, where the Saints overcame a 15-point deficit against the Redskins at home with three minutes remaining. This time, the Saints dominated the entire game. This game marked Drew Brees passing Brett Favre and Peyton Manning on most passing yards. The win improved the Saints to 4-1.

Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens

Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints0701724
Ravens0107623

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 4:05 pm. EDT/3:05 pm. CDT
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), partly sunny
  • Game attendance: 70,639
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Drew Brees would throw his 500th touchdown pass against Baltimore and becoming the third quarterback in modern NFL history to defeat all 32 teams playing in the 2018 season – after Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. In doing so, he improved his record against the Ravens to 1-4. This also marked the Saints' one point victory over the Ravens, since Justin Tucker missed the extra point which was a nod to John Carney's missed PAT in a 2003 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Week 8: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Eight: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints71010330
Vikings760720

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

The Saints travelled to Minnesota for the first time since the 2017 Divisional round; during which safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle on the game's final play that allowed a 61-yard game-winning touchdown reception by Stefon Diggs. In this divisional round rematch, despite a good offensive showing from Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs, and Drew Brees who was held to just 120 passing yards, New Orleans still won the game 30-20 to go to 6-1 and avenge their aforementioned playoff loss.

Week 9: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week Nine: Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams71010835
Saints142101045

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

With the victory, the Saints extended their winning streak to 7 games (Starting from week 2) and ended Rams 8-game win streak. Star wide receiver Michael Thomas, after scoring on his 12th reception, paid homage to former Saints wide receiver Joe Horn; while simultaneously taunting former teammate Brandin Cooks and the Rams by pulling out a cell phone from underneath the goalpost pretending to imitate making a phone call. This celebration drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, enraging the Rams sideline. [3] [4] This was also the final victory over the Rams, who eventually beat them in the playoffs and one season after that.

Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Ten: New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints72810651
Bengals700714

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

After losing the newly acquired Dez Bryant for the year with an Achilles' tear in practice, several players, including Michael Thomas, and running backs Mark Ingram II and Alvin Kamara paid tribute by throwing up Bryant's signature 'X' celebration each time they scored. Safety Marcus Williams returned a long interception to end the first half with the Saints leading 35-7. New Orleans would eventually stun the Bengals in a 51-14 victory and their streak continued, going 8-1. It was also the first time since the 2010 season in which the Saints defeated the Bengals.

Week 11: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Eleven: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Eagles07007
Saints1014141048

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 3:25 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,042
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After head coach Sean Payton lost a golf bet to Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, the Saints, despite being the home team, wore their white color rush uniforms. It was the first time the Saints used the uniforms at home. They were able to beat the Eagles by 41 points, despite Philadelphia being the defending Super Bowl champions from last season. This brought the Saints record to 9-1.

Week 12: vs. Atlanta Falcons

NFL on Thanksgiving Day

Week Twelve: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Falcons307717
Saints7107731

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

The Saints were able to beat the Falcons 31-17 on a Thanksgiving Game. This not only improved their record to 10-1, it also marked the first season since 2015 to sweep the Falcons.

Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys

Week Thirteen: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints0010010
Cowboys1030013

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 7:20 pm. CST
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), clear – retractable roof open
  • Game attendance: 93,004
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox/NFLN): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Michael Thomas recorded his 90th catch of the season, joining Odell Beckham Jr. as the only players in NFL history to record at least 90 receptions in their first three seasons. [5] However, Drew Brees would lose the game for the Saints by throwing an interception to Jourdan Lewis, thus snapping the Saints' 10-game win streak and dropping them to 10–2.

Week 14: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints0381728
Buccaneers770014

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

The New Orleans Saints trailed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-3 halfway through the 3rd quarter when Taysom Hill sparked a rally by blocking a punt and setting up New Orleans inside Tampa Bay territory. The Saints would go on to win in a comeback 28-14 and clinching a playoff berth in the process. Their record improves to 11-2 with the victory over the Buccaneers.

Week 15: at Carolina Panthers

Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Saints330612
Panthers70029

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 7:15 pm. CST/8:15 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), clear skies
  • Game attendance: 74,188
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Saints travel to Bank of America Stadium to play against the Panthers. During the punt, Thomas Morstead was tripped up by the defender, prompting the Saints to get a free first down from the Roughing the Kicker penalty. The Saints win by 3 points and improve their record to 12-2.

Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Sixteen: Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Steelers31114028
Saints7107731

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 3:25 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,086
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Saints clinched home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Mark Ingram II recorded his 50th touchdown, surpassing Deuce McAllister for the Saints franchise record for rushing touchdowns. [6] The Saints were the only NFC South team to defeat all four of their AFC North opponents in 2018. They improve to 13-2 in the process.

Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Panthers13107333
Saints0001414

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,028
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Teddy Bridgewater started in this game. With the loss, the Saints finish the season 13-3. With the first-round bye, the Saints secured their spot in the playoffs.

Standings

Division

NFC South
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(1) New Orleans Saints 1330.8134–29–3504353L1
Atlanta Falcons 790.4384–27–5414423W3
Carolina Panthers 790.4382–45–7376382W1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5110.3132–44–8396464L4

Conference

NFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division leaders
1 [lower-alpha 1] New Orleans Saints South1330.8134–29–3.482.488L1
2 [lower-alpha 1] Los Angeles Rams West1330.8136–09–3.480.428W2
3 Chicago Bears North1240.7505–110–2.430.419W4
4 Dallas Cowboys East1060.6255–19–3.488.444W2
Wild Cards
5 Seattle Seahawks West1060.6253–38–4.484.400W2
6 Philadelphia Eagles East970.5634–26–6.518.486W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Minnesota Vikings North871.5313–2–16–5–1.504.355L1
8 [lower-alpha 2] Atlanta Falcons South790.4384–27–5.482.348W3
9 [lower-alpha 2] Washington Redskins East790.4382–46–6.486.371L2
10 [lower-alpha 2] Carolina Panthers South790.4382–45–7.508.518W1
11 Green Bay Packers North691.4061–4–13–8–1.488.417L1
12 Detroit Lions North6100.3752–44–8.504.427W1
13 [lower-alpha 3] New York Giants East5110.3131–54–8.527.487L3
14 [lower-alpha 3] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South5110.3132–44–8.523.506L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West4120.2501–52–10.504.406L2
16 Arizona Cardinals West3130.1882–43–9.527.302L4
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 4]
  1. 1 2 New Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 3 Atlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 NY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
  4. ↑ 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.

Single player milestone

Late in the first half of the Week 5, Monday Night game against the Washington Redskins, Quarterback Drew Brees surpassed Brett Favre (71,838) and Peyton Manning (71,940) for the most career passing yards. Brees surpassed Favre on a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Josh Hill, and later he surpassed Manning with a 62-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith, giving him the NFL's All-Time Career pass yardage record. [7] Brees also threw his 500th touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens, with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Benjamin Watson.

Postseason

Playoff roundDateOpponent (seed)ResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
Wild Card First-round bye
Divisional January 13, 2019 Philadelphia Eagles (6)W 20–141–0 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
NFC Championship January 20, 2019 Los Angeles Rams (2)L 23–26 (OT)1–1Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (6) Philadelphia Eagles

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (6) Philadelphia Eagles at (1) New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Eagles1400014
Saints0107320

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

The Saints host the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, the first since the 2013 season to play the Eagles under Nick Foles. The Saints initially trailed by 14 points but made a comeback in the end. Marshon Lattimore stuns the Eagles with an interception to secure the Saints' victory and advance to the NFC Championship. Their record improves to 14-3.

NFC Championship: vs. (2) Los Angeles Rams

NFC Championship: (2) Los Angeles Rams at (1) New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234OTTotal
Rams01076326
Saints13073023

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: January 20, 2019
  • Game time: 2:05 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,028
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Coming off with the Divisional Round victory over the Eagles, the Saints remain in the Superdome to host the Los Angeles Rams. It was the first time since January 24, 2010, the Saints host the NFC Championship in their home field.

The game was marred with controversy after the referees missed a pass interference call of Nickell Robey-Coleman's hit on Tommylee Lewis on 3rd-and-10 with 1:45 remaining in the 4th quarter. [8] [9] The NFL admitted to missing the call soon after the game was over, [10] but did not apologize for the situation until a week and a half later. [11] The fallout from the missed call was a factor in the NFL's decision to expand instant replay, making pass interference (including non-calls) reviewable. [12]

With the controversial loss in overtime, the Saints finish their season 14-4.

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The 2018 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 53rd in the National Football League, their second playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and their fourth under head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons attempted to be the first team to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium as an expected Super Bowl contender. However, the Falcons were riddled with injuries, losing 7 starters to IR with the Falcons stumbling to a 1–4 start.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 New Orleans Saints season</span> 53rd season in franchise history

The 2019 season was the New Orleans Saints' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 44th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 13th under head coach Sean Payton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 New Orleans Saints season</span> 54th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the New Orleans Saints' 54th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 45th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and their 14th under head coach Sean Payton. Although they failed to match their 13–3 records from 2018 and 2019, the Saints defended their NFC South title for the fourth consecutive year following a Week 16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. After beating the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, they won six straight games for the fourth consecutive season. With a Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Saints clinched a franchise record fourth consecutive playoff appearance. After Week 17 victory over the division rival, Carolina Panthers, the Saints became the first NFC South member to sweep the division in its history. During the Wildcard round against the Chicago Bears of the 2020–21 NFL playoffs, the Saints made history as one of the first two teams to air in a post-season football game on Nickelodeon, a primarily children-related network. The Saints would defeat the Bears 21–9, advancing to the divisional round, where they were defeated by division rival and eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 30–20, despite having swept them in the regular season.

References

  1. ↑ "Gayle Benson becomes Saints, Pelicans owner". ProFootballTalk - NBC Sports. March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Falcons vs. Saints - Game Summary - November 22, 2018 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Saints WRs Mike Thomas, Brandin Cooks Appear to Be Involved in Twitter Mixup".
  4. ↑ "Saints WR Michael Thomas appears to throw shade at Brandin Cooks after Rams trade".
  5. ↑ "1st to 3rd season - Receptions >= 90". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  6. ↑ Walker, Rod (December 23, 2018). "Mark Ingram passes Deuce McAllister to become Saints' all-time leader in rushing touchdowns". NOLA.com. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  7. ↑ "NFL Passing Yards Career Leaders". Pro Football Reference . October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Saints lose to Rams in NFC Championship after one of the worst missed calls you'll see on a huge fourth-quarter play". Business Insider .
  9. ↑ "Saints' Payton: Referee chief admitted blown call". January 21, 2019.
  10. ↑ "NFL Admits Pass Interference Wasn't the Only Blown Call on Controversial Play in NFC Title Game". January 21, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Roger Goodell breaks silence on controversial no-call in NFC championship game".
  12. ↑ "Pass interference now reviewable by NFL officials". March 27, 2019.
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