Thanks to the whims of the NFL scheduling formula, the New Orleans Saints will have to make a second trip to Green Bay to play the Packers next season.
In fact, depending on what happens in the NFC playoffs, next season’s trip could be the Saints’ third to Lambeau Field in a one-year span. Before this year’s season opener on Sept. 8, won by the Packers 42-34, the Saints had played only three games in the hallowed stadium.
When Renee Beech Smith saw running back Pierre Thomas pull out a bow after scoring the New Orleans Saints’ first touchdown Monday night, she knew some fan was going to be getting a late Christmas present. The lifelong Saints fan just didn’t realize it would be her.
Thomas, whose four-yard touchdown paved the way for the Saints’ 45-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, stuck the gold bow on the football and brought it right to Smith.
“It made me one of the happiest people, happiest Saints fans in the world,” Smith said. “At this point I just want to keep it and hold on to it.”
New Orleans (5)
Drew Brees, quarterback
Jermon Bushrod, tackle
* Jahri Evans, guard
* Jimmy Graham, tight end
* Carl Nicks, guard
* Asterisk denotes starter
Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith said twice Thursday he believes New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is, “having an MVP season.” Brees, who leads an 11-3 New Orleans against Atlanta this Monday night, could break Dan Marino’s single-season passing yardage record in that game.
Drew Brees isn’t the only player on the New Orleans Saints making NFL history this year. His new favorite target, tight end Jimmy Graham, is within striking distance of some all-time receiving records of his own.
Now, 21 months later, the Vikings are 2-11 and the Colts are 0-13.
Those are extreme examples of how quickly teams can fall off the map — and how devastating it can be to lose a quarterback. Nonetheless, they are two more reasons to appreciate the Saints’ current run of consistency.
The New Orleans Saints (9-3) could clinch a playoff spot this Sunday. The Saints travel to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans ((7-5) in an inter-conference game.
Here’s how the Saints could be in: First, of course, they must win. If the Saints win and the Falcons lose, New Orleans wins the South Division title. The Falcons (7-5) are at Carolina (4-8)
The Saints would earn a wild card berth if they win, and the Bears and the Lions both lose. Chicago (7-5) is on the road against the streaking Broncos (7-5), while the Detroit (7-5) hosts the Vikings (2-10), who have already been eliminated from the postseason.
The New Orleans Saints beat the Detroit Lions 31-17 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday to improve to 9-3 on the season and solidified their hold on the NFC South.
Drew Brees threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns.
Robert Meachem had 3 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Vilma had 10 tackles in his return, missing two straight games after having his knee scoped.
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