(New Orleans) The New Orleans Saints have been tenacious.
Dislodged by a hurricane early in the season and diminished by injuries, the Saints nearly became the first NFL team to make it to the playoffs with four starting quarterbacks.
The Saints (9-8) were not eliminated until after their last game, where they earned a fourth win in five games.
Had the Rams maintained a 17-0 lead, or even a touchdown lead taken with 2:29 left, the Saints would have had their playoff spot for a fifth straight season. Instead, the Niners took the last available spot in the NFC.
“We had found a rhythm,” said veteran safety back Malcolm Jenkins. We found pleasure in it. But the band won’t have another chance to play together… that’s probably the most disappointing part. ”
The Saints had one of the best defenses in the NFL but struggled on offense with a string of injuries.
It was the club’s first season since Drew Brees retired.
“Our defense was excellent,” said defensive end Cam Jordan, who led the club with 12 and a half sacks. Our attack overcame a lot of things. It’s very frustrating not to be in the playoffs. ”
Coach Sean Payton has dealt with upheaval related to injury or COVID-19. The club have set a league record using 57 players this season.
Eight assistant coaches were absent in a loss in Carolina.
Payton must have missed what was a victory in Tampa.
All-star wide-end Michael Thomas has not played this season, recovering from ankle surgery.
Jameis Winston saw his season end late in October with a knee injury.
Soon after, the Saints lost five in a row – during the streak, elite running back Alvin Kamara missed four games with a knee injury as well.
New Orleans’ only loss in the last five games came on a Monday against Miami. No fewer than 16 Saints players, including Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian, were on the sidelines following an outbreak of the virus. The Saints had to turn to rookie quarterback Ian Book.
Winston was 5-2 as a starter with 1,170 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He should become a free agent.
Hill (4-1) had 978 passing yards, with four touchdowns and five interceptions. He also had 374 rushing yards, including five touchdowns.
Book lost just by leaving. He had 135 yards but suffered eight sacks, in addition to committing two interceptions.
The Saints did very well in defense, finishing fourth in points allowed per game (19.7), eighth with 46 sacks and sixth with 18 interceptions.
They beat Tampa Bay twice, also winning against Green Bay and New England.
On the other hand, they lost in overtime at home to the Giants, and they conceded the Falcons a winning field at the last moment, also at the Superdome.