2011 New Orleans Saints season

2011 New Orleans Saints season
Head coach Sean Payton
General manager Mickey Loomis
Owner Tom Benson
Home field Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Results
Record 13–3
Division place 1st NFC South
Playoff finish Won Wild Card Playoffs (Lions) 45–28
Lost Divisional Playoffs (49ers) 32–36
Pro Bowlers Drew Brees (QB)
Jimmy Graham (TE)
Jermon Bushrod (OT)
Jahri Evans (G)
Carl Nicks (G)
AP All-Pros Carl Nicks (1st team)
Jahri Evans (1st team)
Drew Brees (2nd team)
Jimmy Graham (2nd team)
Uniform

The 2011 New Orleans Saints season was the franchise's 45th season in the National Football League, the 36th to host home at the Louisiana Superdome and the sixth under head coach Sean Payton. During Week 16, Drew Brees broke the single season passing record set by Dan Marino. Brees ended the season with 5,476 passing yards, an NFL record.[1] The team also broke the record for offensive yards from scrimmage with 7,474 and Darren Sproles broke the record for all purpose yards, with 2,696. The Saints also finished second in scoring for total points with 547, and finished second for points per game with 34.2 points and sacks with 24.[2][3]

The Saints improved on their 11–5 finish from a season earlier and won the NFC South Division with a 13–3 record, and went undefeated at home, so there was much talk of the Saints potentially winning a second Super Bowl in three seasons. Despite their impressive record, however, New Orleans failed to receive a first-round bye due to losing tiebreakers with the San Francisco 49ers for the #2 seed in the NFC behind the 15–1 Green Bay Packers. The Saints won their first playoff game against the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round but fell to the 49ers on a last-minute touchdown in the Divisional Playoffs. The Saints finished with a final record of 14–4.[3]

Offseason

2011 draft board

Main article: 2011 NFL Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 24 Cameron Jordan DE California
28 [a] Mark Ingram RB Alabama
3 72 [b] Martez Wilson LB Illinois
88 Johnny Patrick CB Louisville
7 226 Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh
243 [e] Nate Bussey LB Illinois
^[a] The Saints acquired this first-round selection in exchange for its second-round selection (#56 overall) and a 2012 first-round selection.
^[b] The Saints acquired this third-round selection and a conditional 2012 sixth-round selection in a trade that sent OT Jammal Brown and a 2011 fifth-round selection (#155 overall) to the Washington Redskins.
^[c] The Saints traded its fourth-round selection (#121 overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2010 fifth-round selection.
^[d] The Saints traded its sixth-round selection (#189 overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for TE David Thomas.
^[e] Compensatory selection.

Preseason

Schedule

The Saints' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 12 7:00 p.m. CDT San Francisco 49ers W 24–3 1–0 Louisiana Superdome Recap
2 August 20 7:00 p.m. CDT at Houston Texans L 14–27 1–1 Reliant Stadium Recap
3 August 28 7:00 p.m. CDT at Oakland Raiders W 40–20 2–1 O.co Coliseum NBC Recap
4 September 1 7:00 p.m. CDT Tennessee Titans L 9–32 2–2 Louisiana Superdome Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 8 7:30 p.m. CDT at Green Bay Packers L 34–42 0–1 Lambeau Field NBC Recap
2 September 18 12:00 p.m. CDT Chicago Bears W 30–13 1–1 Louisiana Superdome Fox Recap
3 September 25 12:00 p.m. CDT Houston Texans W 40–33 2–1 Louisiana Superdome CBS Recap
4 October 2 12:00 p.m. CDT at Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–10 3–1 EverBank Field Fox Recap
5 October 9 12:00 p.m. CDT at Carolina Panthers W 30–27 4–1 Bank of America Stadium Fox Recap
6 October 16 3:15 p.m. CDT at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 20–26 4–2 Raymond James Stadium Fox Recap
7 October 23 7:20 p.m. CDT Indianapolis Colts W 62–7 5–2 Mercedes-Benz Superdome NBC Recap
8 October 30 12:00 p.m. CDT at St. Louis Rams L 21–31 5–3 Edward Jones Dome Fox Recap
9 November 6 12:00 p.m. CST Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 27–16 6–3 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Fox Recap
10 November 13 12:00 p.m. CST at Atlanta Falcons W 26–23 (OT) 7–3 Georgia Dome Fox Recap
11 Bye
12 November 28 7:30 p.m. CST New York Giants W 49–24 8–3 Mercedes-Benz Superdome ESPN[a] Recap
13 December 4 7:20 p.m. CST[4] Detroit Lions W 31–17 9–3 Mercedes-Benz Superdome NBC Recap
14 December 11 12:00 p.m. CST at Tennessee Titans W 22–17 10–3 LP Field Fox Recap
15 December 18 12:00 p.m. CST at Minnesota Vikings W 42–20 11–3 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Fox Recap
16 December 26 7:30 p.m. CST Atlanta Falcons W 45–16 12–3 Mercedes-Benz Superdome ESPN[a] Recap
17 January 1 12:00 p.m. CST Carolina Panthers W 45–17 13–3 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Fox Recap
LEGEND
Bold indicates division opponents.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

Week One: New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 10 10734
Packers 21 7 7742

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

First quarter
  • GB – Greg Jennings 20-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:12. Packers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:52.
  • GB – Jordy Nelson 20-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 6:29. Packers 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:05.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 31-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 3:37. Packers 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:53.
  • GB – Randall Cobb 32-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:19. Packers 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:20.
Second quarter
  • NO – John Kasay 30-yard field goal, 9:44. Packers 21–10. Drive: 14 plays, 71 yards, 5:27.
  • NO – Darren Sproles 72-yard punt return (John Kasay kick), 8:55 Packers 21–17.
  • GB – James Starks 17-yard run (John Kasay kick), 2:05. Packers 28–17. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:38.
Third quarter
  • NO – John Kasay 38-yard field goal, 9:44. Packers 28–20, 8:45. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 6:20.
  • GB – Randall Cobb 108-yard kickoff return (Mason Crosby kick) Packers 35–20.
  • NO – Devery Henderson 29-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 7:00. Packers 35–27. Drive: 3 plays, 46 yards, 1:32.
Fourth quarter
  • GB – John Kuhn 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 11:52 Packers 42–27, Drive: 12 plays, 93 yards, 6:12.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 2:20. Packers 42–34. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 3:20.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Saints (champions of Super Bowl XLIV) began their 2011 campaign at Lambeau Field, taking on the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the annual NFL Kickoff Game. New Orleans trailed early in the first quarter as Packers QB Aaron Rodgers completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings. The Saints answered with quarterback Drew Brees finding wide receiver Robert Meachem on a 31-yard touchdown pass, but Green Bay struck back with Rodgers completing a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Randall Cobb. New Orleans clawed their way back into the game in the second quarter with a 30-yard field goal from kicker John Kasay, followed by running back Darren Sproles returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown. However, the Packers came right back with running back James Starks getting a 17-yard touchdown run.

The Saints led off the third quarter with Kasay's 38-yard field goal, but Green Bay replied with Cobb returning a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, New Orleans kept fighting as Brees connected with wide receiver Devery Henderson on a 29-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter, the Packers replied with fullback John Kuhn getting a 1-yard touchdown run. New Orleans tried to rally as Brees found tight end Jimmy Graham on a 5-yard touchdown pass, but Green Bay's defense held stuffing a potentially game tying Ingram run on the 1-yard line on the last play of the game to preserve the win.

With the loss, the Saints began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Two: Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 7 3 3013
Saints 3 13 7730

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – Devery Henderson 79-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 10–7
  • NO – John Kasay 29-yard field goal, Saints 13–7
  • NO – John Kasay 53-yard field goal, Saints 16–7
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 42-yard field goal, Saints 16–10
Third quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 38-yard field goal, Saints 16–13
  • NO – Robert Meachem 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 23–13
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 30–13
Leading Passers
  • CHI – Jay Cutler 19/45, 244 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NO – Drew Brees 26/37, 270 yards, 3 touchdowns
Leading Rushers
Leading Receivers
  • CHI – Matt Forte 10 receptions, 117 yards
  • NO – Darren Sproles 8 receptions, 43 yards
Leading Tacklers

Coming off a loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Saints hosted the Chicago Bears in week 2. Falling early, Drew Brees responded with a 79-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson. The Saints defense got six sacks on Jay Cutler and wore down the Bears defense to beat them 30–13. This was the first time in Drew Brees' career that he beat the Bears with the Saints. With the win, the Saints improved to 1–1.

Week 3: vs. Houston Texans

Week Three: Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 10 6 31433
Saints 0 10 72340

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
  • HOU – Owen Daniels 14 Yard TD Pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers XP) Texans 7–0
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 22 Yard FG Texans 10–0
Second quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 30-yard run (John Kasay kick) Texans 10–7
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 27 Yard FG Texans 13–7
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 27 Yard FG Texans 16–7
  • NO – John Kasay 35 Yard FG Texans 16–10
Third quarter
  • NO – Robert Meachem 2 Yard TD Pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay XP) Saints 17–16
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 26 Yard FG Texans 19–17
Fourth quarter
  • HOU – James Casey 26 Yard TD Pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers XP) Texans 26–17
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 27 Yard TD Pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay XP) Texans 26–24
  • NO – Lance Moore 16 Yard TD Pass from Drew Brees (2-Point Conversion) Saints 32–26
  • HOU – Kevin Walter 20 Yard TD Pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers XP) Texans 33–32
  • NO – Mark Ingram 13 Yard TD Run (2-Point Conversion) Saints 40–33
Top Passers
  • HOU – Matt Schaub – 22/39, 373 Yards, 3 TD, INT
  • NO – Drew Brees – 31/44, 370 Yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
  • HOU – Ben Tate – 19 Rushes, 82 Yards
  • NO – Mark Ingram – 9 Rushes, 38 Yards, TD
Top receivers
  • HOU – Andre Johnson – 7 Receptions, 128 Yards
  • NO – Jimmy Graham – 4 Receptions, 100 Yards, TD
Top tacklers
  • HOU – Kareem Jackson – 7 Tackles
  • NO – Jarvis Dunbar – 6 Tackles

With the win the Saints improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Four: New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 6323
Jaguars 0 10 0010

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – Jed Collins 1-yard run (John Kasay kicks) Saints 7–0
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • NO – John Kasay 38-yard Field Goal Saints 17–10
  • NO – John Kasay 39-yard Field Goal Saints 20–10
Fourth quarter
  • NO – John Kasay 21-yard Field Goal Saints 23–10
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win the Saints improved to 3–1.

Week 5: at Carolina Panthers

Week Five: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 10 10 3730
Panthers 6 7 7727

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 32/45, 359 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • CAR – Cam Newton – 16/31, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

A NFC South rivalry rookie Cam Newton and Drew Brees go head to head for the first time. After an early lead Deangelo Williams starts a comeback with a 69-yard touchdown run. Former Carolina kicker John Kasay kicked two straight field goals, and then Cam Newton ran for a touchdown. Then, Cam Newton threw a touchdown pass to take the lead. Then, Drew Brees led the Saints down to the redzone and with less than a minute, threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Thomas to win the game.

Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Six: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 3 3720
Buccaneers 3 17 3326

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/3:15 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 84°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 56,590
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts and Jim Mora
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter
  • TB – Connor Barth 48 yd. Field Goal Bucs 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, :55.
  • NO – Marques Colston 38 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:41.
Second quarter
  • TB – Arrelious Benn 65 yd. pass from J.Freeman (C.Barth kick) Bucs 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:31.
  • TB – C.Barth 42 yd. Field Goal Bucs 13–7. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 6:12.
  • TB – Preston Parker 19 yd. pass from J.Freeman (C.Barth kick) Bucs 20–7. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, :53.
  • NO – J.Kasay 33 yd. Field Goal Saints 10–20. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, :53.
Third quarter
  • NO – J.Kasay 24 yd. Field Goal Saints 13–20. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 6:35.
  • TB – C.Barth 42 yd. Field Goal Bucs 23–13. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:43.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – M.Ingram 12 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 20–23. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 2:36.
  • TB – C.Barth 38 yd. Field Goal Bucs 26–20. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 2:36.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 7: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week Seven: Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 007
Saints 21 13 141462

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: October 23
  • Game time: 7:20 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,012
  • Referee: Scott Green
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
  • Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • NO – Marques Colston 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 9:02. Saints 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:59.
  • NO – Marques Colston 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 5:31. Saints 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:39.
  • NO – Darren Sproles 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 0:42. Saints 21–0. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:42.
Second quarter
  • NO – Jed Collins 1-yard run (John Kasay kick), 10:39. Saints 28–0. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:51.
  • NO – John Kasay 23-yard field goal, 4:20. Saints 31–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:28.
  • IND – Delone Carter 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick) 1:56. Saints 31–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:24.
  • NO – John Kasay 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Saints 34–7. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 1:56.
Third quarter
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 9:16. Saints 41–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:44.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 1:41. Saints 48–7. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 6:05.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 16-yard run (John Kasay kick), 12:26. Saints 55–7. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:58.
  • NO – Leigh Torrence 42-yard interception return (John Kasay kick), 12:12. Saints 62–7.
Top passers
  • IND – Curtis Painter 9/17, 67 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • NO – Drew Brees 31/35, 325 yards, 5 touchdowns
Top rushers
  • IND – Delone Carter 10 rushes, 89 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NO – Mark Ingram 14 rushes, 91 yards, 0 touchdowns
Top receivers
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 3 receptions, 36 yds, 0 touchdowns
  • NO – Marques Colston 7 receptions, 98 yds, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers
  • IND – Antoine Bethea 7 tackles, 4 assists
  • NO – Jonathan Casillas 2 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack

With the win, The Saints improved to 5–2 In a game against the currently winless Indianapolis Colts (0–7), the Saints began the game with recovering a fumbled snap by Curtis Painter. The Saints would convert that turnover into a touchdown with a 14-yard pass from Drew Brees to Marques Colston. The Saints would continue again with a 4-yard TD pass from Drew Brees to Marques Colston. Then Delone Carter fumbled and the Saints recovered for their second fumble recovery of thee game, and their next TD of the night came with a 6-yard pass from Brees to Darren Sproles, as the Saints convert another turnover into points begin the game and end the first quarter 21–0. The Saints would continue with a Jed Collins 1-yard run and a field goal, but the Colts would score with a Delone Carter 2-yard run. The Saints would end the first half with another John Kasay field goal. The Saints would outscore the Colts 28–0 in the second half, with the Saints outscoring the Colts 14–0 in each of the second half quarters. Drew Brees would throw a 4-yard and a 2-yard TD pass to Jimmy Graham. In the fourth quarter, Darren Sproles ran 16 yards for a TD, and with under 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Leigh Torrence intercepted a pass from Curtis Painter and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown as the Saints ousted the Colts 62–7 and wins the game with the most points in a single game in franchise history. Drew Brees finished the game 31/35 for 325 yards and 5 touchdowns with no interceptions. The Saints also rushed for 236 yards with 2 touchdowns, with Mark Ingram's 91 yards, Darren Sproles' 88 yards and Pierre Thomas' 57 yards. The New Orleans Saints offense gained 557 yards of total offense, and ran 73 plays, and gained 36 first downs and was also 6/8 in third-down efficiency.

Week 8: at St. Louis Rams

Week Eight: New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 0 0 71421
Rams 0 17 7731

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • STL – Josh Brown 38 yd. Field Goal Rams 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 5:41.
  • STL – S.Jackson 3 yd. run (J.Brown kick) Rams 10–0. Drive: 2 plays, 15 yards, :26.
  • STL – B.Lloyd 8 yd. pass from A.Feeley (J.Brown kick) Rams 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, :41.
Third quarter
  • STL – S.Jackson 3 yd. run (J.Brown kick) Rams 24–0. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:44.
  • NO – J.Vilma fumble recovery in end zone (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–24.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – P.Thomas 3 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–24. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:45.
  • STL – D.Stewart 27 yd. interception return (J.Brown kick) Rams 31–14.
  • NO – L.Moore 8 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 21–31. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 2:45.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 30/44, 269 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
  • STL – A.Feeley – 20/37, 175 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

After a franchise record setting performance the Saints went to face another winless team, the St. Louis Rams. This time, however, the Rams pulled off one of the best upsets in the NFL season. A defense kept the Saints scoreless for the first half. The second the Rams sealed the deal with an interception return for 27 yards. With this the Saints fell to 5–3, however this would be the last time the Saints would lose in the regular season.

Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 3 31016
Saints 7 10 7327

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,043
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton and John Lynch
Game information

First quarter
  • NO – L.Moore 3 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:40.
Second quarter
  • NO – D.Sproles 21 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:35.
  • TB – C.Barth 40 yd. Field Goal Bucs 3–14. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, :58.
  • NO – J.Kasay 21 yd. Field Goal Saints 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 1:39.
Third quarter
  • TB – C.Barth 48 yd. Field Goal Bucs 6–17. Drive: 6 plays, 3 yards, 3:03.
  • NO – P.Thomas 9 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 24–6. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 6:18.
Fourth quarter
  • TB – C.Barth 25 yd. Field Goal Bucs 9–24. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 7:03.
  • TB – K.Winslow 5 yd. pass from J.Freeman (C.Barth kick) Bucs 16–24. Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 7:03.
  • NO -J.Kasay 34 yd. Field Goal Saints 27–16. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 4:16.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 10: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Ten: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Saints 3 7 76326
Falcons 3 3 710023

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta

Game information

First quarter
  • ATL – M.Bryant 36 yd. Field Goal Falcons 3–0. Drive: 16 plays, 61 yards, 8:40.
  • NO – J.Kasay 52 yd. Field Goal Saints 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 3:32.
Second quarter
  • ATL – M.Bryant 29 yd. Field Goal Falcons 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 5:21.
  • NO – J.Graham 21 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 10–6. Drive: 3 plays, 50 yards, 1:01.
Third quarter
  • ATL – J.Snelling 21 yd. pass from M.Ryan (M.Bryant kick) Falcons 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 6:04.
  • NO – R.Meachem 33 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:37.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – J.Kasay 48 yd. Field Goal Saints 20–13. Drive: 6 plays, −4 yards, 2:56.
  • NO – J.Kasay 44 yd. Field Goal Saints 23–13. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:35.
  • ATL – T.Gonzalez 20 yd. pass from M.Ryan (M.Bryant kick) Falcons 20–23. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 3:00.
  • ATL – M.Bryant 27 yd. Field Goal Falcons 23–23. Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 1:55.
Overtime
  • NO – J.Kasay 26 yd. Field Goal Saints 26–23. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:21.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 30/43, 322 yards, 2 TD
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 29/52, 351 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

Week Twelve: New York Giants at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Giants 0 3 71424
Saints 0 21 141449

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – L.Moore 4 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:35.
  • NYG – L.Tynes 42 yd. Field Goal Giants 3–7. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 5:22.
  • NO – J.Graham 5 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:00.
  • NO – L.Moore 10 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 21–3. Drive: 6 plays, 88 yards, :34.
Third quarter
  • NYG – B.Jacobs 8 yd. run (L.Tynes kick) Giants 10–21. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 4:17.
  • NO – D.Brees 8 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 28–10. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:55.
  • NO – J.Graham 29 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 35–10. Drive: 2 plays, 29 yards, :13.
Fourth quarter
  • NYG – V.Cruz 72 yd. pass from E.Manning (L.Tynes kick) Giants 17–35. Drive: 3 plays, 84 yards, 1:21.
  • NO – P.Thomas 12 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 42–17. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:09.
  • NYG – V.Cruz 4 yd. pass from E.Manning (L.Tynes kick) Giants 24–42. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:29.
  • NO – M.Ingram 35 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 49–24. Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 1:01.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 13: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Thirteen: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 7 10017
Saints 3 21 0731

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – John Kasay 39-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 5:08.
Second quarter
  • NO – Mark Ingram 14-yard run (John Kasay kick), Saints 10–0, Drive: 9 plays, 93 yards, 4:08.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 67-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 17–0, Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:17.
  • DET – Kevin Smith 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), Saints 17–7, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:35.
  • NO – Lance Moore 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 24–7, Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 1:53.
Third quarter
  • DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, Saints 24–10, Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 5:27.
  • DET – Maurice Morris 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Saints 24–17, Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 5:30.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 31–17, Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:49.
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford – 31/44, 408 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • NO – Drew Brees −26/36, 342 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers
  • DET – Kevin Smith – 6 carries, 34 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NO – Mark Ingram – 16 carries, 34 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • DET – Nate Burleson – 5 receptions, 93 yards
  • NO – Robert Meachem – 3 receptions, 119 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • DET – Amari Speivey – 9 tackles, 1 assist
  • NO – Jonathan Vilma – 6 tackles, 1 assist

Week 14: at Tennessee Titans

Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 3 3 31322
Titans 0 3 7717

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – J.Kasay 25 yd. Field Goal Saints 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:06.
Second quarter
  • TEN – R.Bironas 43 yd. Field GoalTitans 3–3. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:11.
  • NO – J.Kasay 29 yd. Field Goal Saints 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 2:51.
Third quarter
  • NO – J.Kasay 22 yd. Field Goal Saints 9–3. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 8:00.
  • TEN – J.Locker 6 yd. run (R.Bironas kick) Titans 10–9. Drive: 8 plays, 40 yards, 2:36.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – M.Colston 35 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 16–10. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:40.
  • NO – M.Colston 28 yd. pass from D.Brees (2pt. run failed) Saints 22–10. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:59.
  • TEN – N.Washington 40 yd. pass from J.Locker (R.Bironas kick) Titans 22–17. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:03.
Top passers
Top rushers
  • NO – Chris Ivory – 13 rushes, 53 yards
  • TEN – Jake Locker – 6 rushes, 36 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 14 14742
Vikings 3 10 0720

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 62,623
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – R.Longwell 44 yd. Field Goal Vikings 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:20.
  • NO – L.Moore 5 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:36.
Second quarter
  • MIN – R.Longwell 49 yd. Field Goal Vikings 6–7. Drive: 4 plays, −10 yards, 1:09.
  • NO – J.Graham 1 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:09.
  • MIN – T.Gerhart 10 yd. pass from C.Ponder (R.Longwell kick) Vikings 13–14. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:05.
  • NO – D.Sproles 13 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 21–13. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:26.
Third quarter
  • NO – J.Gilmore 2 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 28–13. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:44.
  • NO – L.Moore 47 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 35–13. Drive: 3 plays, 53 yards, :56.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – P.Thomas 1 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 42–13. Drive: 19 plays, 87 yards, 10:36.
  • MIN – T.Gerhart 16 yd. pass from C.Ponder (R.Longwell kick) Vikings 20–42. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:13.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 10 0 3316
Saints 7 14 101445

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
  • ATL – M.Bryant 34 yd. Field Goal Falcons 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:07.
  • NO – P.Thomas 4 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 3:28.
  • ATL – J.Jones 21 yd. pass from M.Ryan (M.Bryant kick) Falcons 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 3:54.
Second quarter
  • NO – M.Colston 8 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:59.
  • NO – J.Graham 9 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 1:55.
Third quarter
  • NO – R.Meachem 24 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 28–10. Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 3:15.
  • ATL – M.Bryant 51 yd. Field Goal Falcons 13–28. Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 3:47.
  • NO – J.Kasay 29 yd. Field Goal Saints 31–13. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:37.
Fourth quarter
  • ATL – M.Bryant 30 yd. Field Goal Falcons 16–31. Drive: 16 plays, 68 yards, 5:21.
  • NO – M.Jenkins 30 yd. fumble return (J.Kasay kick) Saints 38–16.
  • NO – D.Sproles 9 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 45–16. Drive: 6 plays, 33 yards, 2:17.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 23/39, 307 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 34/52, 373 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

During this game, Drew Brees set the record for most passing yards in a season, breaking the previous record set by Dan Marino.

Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 10 0017
Saints 14 10 14745

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – C.Ivory 35 yd. run (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:39.
  • CAR – S.Smith 12 yd. pass from C.Newton (O.Mare kick) Panthers 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:39.
  • NO – M.Colston 15 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 3:52.
Second quarter
  • CAR – O.Mare 41 yd. Field Goal Panthers 10–14. Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, 2:31.
  • NO – J.Kasay 43 yd. Field Goal Saints 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:08.
  • CAR – J.Stewart 29 yd. run (O.Mare kick) Panthers 17–17. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:24.
  • NO – M.Colston 42 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 1:11.
Third quarter
  • NO – J.Graham 19 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 31–17. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 3:28.
  • NO – J.Collins 1 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 38–17. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:23.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – D.Sproles 9 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 45–17. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:50.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 28/35, 389 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
  • CAR – Cam Newton – 15/25, 158 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Standings

NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) New Orleans Saints 13 3 0 .813 5–1 9–3 547 339 W8
(5) Atlanta Falcons 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 402 350 W1
Carolina Panthers 6 10 0 .375 2–4 3–9 406 427 L1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 307 494 L10

Postseason

Schedule

Playoff round Date Kickoff Opponent (seed) Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
Wild Card January 7, 2012 7:00 p.m. CST Detroit Lions (6) W 45–28 1–0 Mercedes-Benz Superdome NBC Recap
Divisional January 14, 2012 3:30 p.m. CST at San Francisco 49ers (2) L 32–36 1–1 Candlestick Park Fox Recap

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Playoff Game: vs. #6 Detroit Lions

NFC Wild Card Playoff Game: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 7 7 7728
Saints 0 10 142145

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 2-yard run (John Kasay kick), 14:01. Tied 7–7. Drive: 11 plays, 89 yards, 5:19.
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 13-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 9:11. Lions 14–7. Drive 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:50.
  • NO – John Kasay 24-yard field goal, 0:00. Lions 14–10. Drive 14 plays, 78 yards, 5:03.
3rd Quarter
  • NO – Devery Henderson 41-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 13:09. Saints 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 1:51.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 4:03. Saints 24–14. Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards, 6:27.
  • DET – Matthew Stafford 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 1:08. Saints 24–21. Drive 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:55.
4th Quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 17-yard run (John Kasay kick), 9:53. Saints 31–21. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:15.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 56-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), 7:29. Saints 38–21. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 2:14.
  • DET – Calvin Johnson 12-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 4:40. Saints 38–28. Drive 9 plays, 79 yards, 2:49.
  • NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard run (John Kasay kick), 3:36. Saints 45–28. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:04.
Leading passers
Leading rushers
Leading receivers

Entering the postseason as the NFC's #3 seed, the Saints began their playoff run at home in the NFC Wild Card Round against the #6 Detroit Lions, in a rematch of their Week 13 contest.

New Orleans trailed early in the first quarter with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completing a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Heller. The Saints answered with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Darren Sproles, but Detroit replied with Stafford completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. New Orleans would close out the half with a 24-yard field goal from kicker John Kasay.

The Saints took the lead in the third quarter with quarterback Drew Brees finding wide receiver Devery Henderson and tight end Jimmy Graham on a 41-yard and a 3-yard touchdown pass, while the Lions tried to stay close as Stafford got a 1-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, New Orleans would pull away in the fourth quarter with a 17-yard touchdown run from Sproles, followed by Brees connecting with wide receiver Robert Meachem on a 56-yard touchdown pass. Detroit tried to rally with Stafford completing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Johnson, and following this, the Lions attempted an onside kick, but the Saints recovered the kick. The Saints were still able to drive down the field and closed out the game with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Pierre Thomas.[5]

With the win, New Orleans improved its overall record to 14–3.

NFC Divisional Playoff Game: at San Francisco 49ers

NFC Divisional Playoff Game: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 0 14 01832
49ers 14 3 31636

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

1st Quarter
  • SF – V.Davis 49 yd. pass from Alex Smith (D.Akers kick) 49ers 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 54 yards, :46.
  • SF – M.Crabtree 4 yd. pass from Alex Smith (D.Akers kick) 49ers 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, :15.
2nd Quarter
  • SF – D.Akers 25 yd. Field Goal 49ers 17–0. Drive 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:23.
  • NO – J.Graham 14 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–17. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:40.
  • NO – M.Colston 25 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 14–17. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:04.
3rd Quarter
  • SF – D.Akers 41 yd. Field Goal 49ers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, :59.
4th Quarter
  • NO – J.Kasay 48 yd. Field Goal Saints 17–20. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 3:26.
  • SF – D.Akers 37 yd. Field Goal 49ers 23–17. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 3:02.
  • NO – D.Sproles 44 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 24–23. Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 3:34.
  • SF – Alex Smith 28 yd. run (2pt. run failed) 49ers 29–24. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
  • NO – J.Graham 66 yd. pass from D.Brees (2pt. pass D.Brees-D.Sproles) Saints 32–29. Drive: 4 plays, 88 yards, :34.
  • SF – V.Davis 14 yd. pass from Alex Smith (D.Akers kick) 49ers 36–32. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:28.
Leading passers
Leading rushers
Leading receivers
Leading tacklers

Staff

New Orleans Saints 2011 staff
Front Office
  • Owner/President – Tom Benson
  • Owner/Executive Vice President – Rita Benson LeBlanc
  • Executive Vice President/General Manager – Mickey Loomis
  • Director of Football Administration – Khai Harley
  • Director of Pro Scouting – Ryan Pace
  • Director of College Scouting – Rick Reiprish
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting – Brian Adams

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Dan Dalrymple
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Charles Byrd
  • Weight Room Assistant – Robert Wenning

Coaching Assistants

  • Frank Smith, Marcus Ungaro, Blake Williams, Brian Young

Final roster

2011 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, 9 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Awards

Records Set

Team Records Set or Tied

Individual Records Set or Tied

Drew Brees

Darren Sproles

Notes and references

  1. ↑ NFL.com: Drew Brees
  2. ↑ Mayer, Larry (2013-01-16). "Bears hire Kromer as offensive coordinator, line coach". Chicago Bears. Retrieved 2013-01-16.
  3. 1 2 http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2011.htm
  4. 1 2 http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/21/lions-saints-on-nbc-week-13/ Lions-Saints on NBC Week 13
  5. ↑ http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012010701/2011/POST18/lions@saints#menu=highlights&tab=analyze
  6. ↑ as of completion of 2011 season
  7. ↑ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_cmp_perc_single_season.htm
  8. ↑ http://pfref.com/tiny/RKc5v
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