2010 New Orleans Saints season

2010 New Orleans Saints season
Head coach Sean Payton
General manager Mickey Loomis
Owner Tom Benson
Home field Louisiana Superdome
Results
Record 11–5
Division place 2nd NFC South
Playoff finish Lost NFC Wild Card Playoffs (Seahawks) 41–36
Pro Bowlers Drew Brees (QB)
Jahri Evans (OG)
Carl Nicks (OG)
Roman Harper (FS)
Jonathan Vilma (LB)
AP All-Pros Jahri Evans (1st team)
Carl Nicks (2nd team)
Malcolm Jenkins (2nd team)
Darren Sharper (2nd team)

The 2010 New Orleans Saints season was the 44th season for the franchise in the National Football League (NFL) and city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the 35th to host home games in the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints were coming off their first Super Bowl winning season. The franchise attempted to better their most successful season in franchise history from 2009, which they began undefeated for 13 consecutive games only to lose their last three games at the end of the season to finish 13–3. They also attempted to win the NFC South Division title for the third time in history, earn their first second-consecutive playoff berth since 1991, and successfully defend their conference and league championships. The Saints qualified for the playoffs as a wild card team, but were eliminated in the first round by the Seattle Seahawks, who were the first team with a losing record (7–9) to qualify for the playoffs and win a division title. Sean Payton served his fifth year as head coach.

Offseason

2010 NFL Draft

Main article: 2010 NFL Draft

As the winners of Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints acquired the 32nd pick in the first round and drafted in this order.[1]

New Orleans Saints 2010 NFL Draft selections
Draft order Player name Position Height Weight College Contract Notes
Round Choice Overall
1 32 32 Patrick Robinson CB 5'11" 190 lbs Florida State 5 Year
2 32 64 Charles Brown OT 6'5" 303 lbs USC 4 Year
3 31 95 Jimmy Graham TE 6'6" 260 lbs Miami 4 Year
4 25 123 Al Woods DT 6'4" 314 lbs LSU 4 Year
5 27 158 Matt Tennant C 6'5" 300 lbs Boston College 4 Year
6 32 TBD Traded to the Arizona Cardinals
7 32 239 Sean Canfield QB 6'4" 214 lbs Oregon State N/A

Roster signings

All signings were to active roster, except where otherwise noted.
Pos. Player Date
[2][3]
Notes
CB Greg Fassitt February 12, 2010
TE Tyler Lorenzen February 12, 2010
T Jermey Parnell February 12, 2010
WR Matt Simon February 12, 2010
G Na'Shan Goddard February 18, 2010
CB Glenn Sharpe February 18, 2010
DT Earl Heyman February 18, 2010
G Tim Duckworth February 19, 2010
RB Zak Keasey February 23, 2010
DE Alex Brown April 7, 2010
DE Jimmy Wilkerson April 20, 2010
LB Clint Ingram May 19, 2010

Roster releases

Pos. Player Date
[2][3]
Notes
WR D'Juan Woods February 16, 2010 Released after being placed on injured reserve prior to the 2009 season[4]
OL Jamar Nesbit March 4, 2010 [5]
LB Mark Simoneau March 4, 2010 [5]
DL Charles Grant March 5, 2010 [5]
G Jamar Nesbit March 5, 2010

Schedule

Preseason

The Saints preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.[6]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 12 6:30 p.m. CDT at New England Patriots L 24–27 0–1 Gillette Stadium CST Recap
2 August 21 7:00 p.m. CDT Houston Texans W 38–20 1–1 Louisiana Superdome CST Recap
3 August 27 7:00 p.m. CDT San Diego Chargers W 36–21 2–1 Louisiana Superdome CBS Recap
4 September 2 7:00 p.m. CDT at Tennessee Titans L 24–27 2–2 LP Field CST Recap

Regular season

Listed below are the Saints' opponents for 2010. As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Saints hosted the annual NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, September 9, against the Minnesota Vikings, which was a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship Game. The pregame concert (Taylor Swift & Dave Matthews Band) and game was televised on NBC.

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 9 7:30 p.m. CDT Minnesota Vikings W 14–9 1–0 Louisiana Superdome NBC Recap
2 September 20 7:30 p.m. CDT at San Francisco 49ers W 25–22 2–0 Candlestick Park ESPN Recap
3 September 26 12:00 p.m. CDT Atlanta Falcons L 24–27 (OT) 2–1 Louisiana Superdome Fox Recap
4 October 3 12:00 p.m. CDT Carolina Panthers W 16–14 3–1 Louisiana Superdome Fox Recap
5 October 10 3:05 p.m. CDT at Arizona Cardinals L 20–30 3–2 University of Phoenix Stadium Fox Recap
6 October 17 12:00 p.m. CDT at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 31–6 4–2 Raymond James Stadium Fox Recap
7 October 24 12:00 p.m. CDT Cleveland Browns L 17–30 4–3 Louisiana Superdome CBS Recap
8 October 31 7:20 p.m. CDT Pittsburgh Steelers W 20–10 5–3 Louisiana Superdome NBC Recap
9 November 7 12:00 p.m. CST at Carolina Panthers W 34–3 6–3 Bank of America Stadium Fox Recap
10 Bye
11 November 21 3:05 p.m. CST Seattle Seahawks W 34–19 7–3 Louisiana Superdome Fox Recap
12 November 25 3:15 p.m. CST at Dallas Cowboys W 30–27 8–3 Cowboys Stadium Fox Recap
13 December 5 12:00 p.m. CST at Cincinnati Bengals W 34–30 9–3 Paul Brown Stadium Fox Recap
14 December 12 3:05 p.m. CST St. Louis Rams W 31–13 10–3 Louisiana Superdome Fox Recap
15 December 19 12:00 p.m. CST at Baltimore Ravens L 24–30 10–4 M&T Bank Stadium Fox Recap
16 December 27 7:30 p.m. CST at Atlanta Falcons W 17–14 11–4 Georgia Dome ESPN Recap
17 January 2 12:00 p.m. CST Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–23 11–5 Louisiana Superdome Fox Recap

Standings

NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Atlanta Falcons 13 3 0 .813 5–1 10–2 414 288 W1
(5) New Orleans Saints 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 384 307 L1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 343 318 W2
Carolina Panthers 2 14 0 .125 0–6 2–10 196 408 L2

Preseason results

Preseason Week 1: at New England Patriots

1 2 34Total
Saints 0 7 14324
Patriots 10 7 7327

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: Thursday, August 12, 2010
  • Game weather: 71°F (21.7°C), cloudy and cool
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Recap

Preseason Week 2: vs Houston Texans

1 2 34Total
Texans 0 10 3720
Saints 14 14 7338

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010
  • Game weather: Indoor Stadium
  • Game attendance: 70,025
  • Recap

Preseason Week 3: vs San Diego Chargers

1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 7 0721
Saints 7 10 31636

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: Friday August 27, 2010
  • Game weather: Indoor Stadium
  • Game attendance: 70,025
  • Recap

Preseason Week 4: at Tennessee Titans

1 2 34Total
Saints 3 7 31124
Titans 7 6 01427

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: Thursday September 2, 2010
  • Game weather: 89°F (31.7°C) Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • Recap

Regular season results

Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings

NFL Kickoff game
Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 9 009
Saints 7 0 7014

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 5:28. Saints 7–3. Drive: 16 plays, 66 yards, 9:25.
  • MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe 20-yard pass from Brett Favre (kick blocked), 0:34. Vikings 9–7. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 0:45.
3rd Quarter
  • NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:13. Saints 14–9. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:43.
4th Quarter
  • None.
Passing
Rushing
Receiving

With their Super Bowl title to defend, the Saints began their season at home in the annual Kickoff Game against the Minnesota Vikings, in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game. New Orleans would strike first in the opening quarter with quarterback Drew Brees hooking up with wide receiver Devery Henderson on a 29-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings would take the lead in the second quarter as kicker Ryan Longwell made a 41-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Brett Favre's 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (with a blocked PAT).

In the third quarter, the Saints would regain the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Pierre Thomas. From there, New Orleans' defense would prevent any further progress from Minnesota.

With the win, New Orleans began their season at 1–0.

Week 2: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 2: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 9 0 7925
49ers 0 7 7822

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • SF – Anthony Dixon 2-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 49ers 14–9, Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 3:36.
  • NO – David Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 16–14, Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:08.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 46-yard field goal, Saints 19–14, Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:29.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 19-yard field goal, Saints 22–14, Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, 3:15.
  • SF – Frank Gore 7-yard run (Alex Smith – Vernon Davis pass), Tied 22–22, Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 0:53.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 37-yard field goal, Saints 25–22, Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 1:19.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 28/38, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • SF – Alex Smith – 23/32, 275 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their home win over the Vikings, the Saints flew to Candlestick Park for a Week 2 Monday Night duel with the San Francisco 49ers. New Orleans would deliver the opening punch in the first quarter as 49ers center David Baas' high snap deep within San Francisco territory went out of the back of the endzone for a safety. The Saints would add onto their lead as quarterback Drew Brees hooked up with running back Reggie Bush on a 6-yard touchdown pass. The 49ers would answer in the second quarter as quarterback Alex Smith found running back Frank Gore on a 12-yard touchdown pass.

San Francisco would take the lead with running back Anthony Dixon's 2-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans would respond with Brees' 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Thomas. The Saints would add onto their lead in the fourth quarter as kicker Garrett Hartley made a 46-yard and a 19-yard field goal. The 49ers would strike back as Gore got a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by Smith's 2-point conversion pass to tight end Vernon Davis. In the end, New Orleans got the last laugh as Hartley booted the game-ending 37-yard field goal.

With the win, the Saints improved to 2–0.

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Falcons 7 7 37327
Saints 14 0 73024

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • ATL – Michael Turner 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), Tied 14–14, Drive: 19 plays, 72 yards, 10:39.
Third quarter
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 23-yard field goal, Falcons 17–14, Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:04.
  • NO – Lance Moore 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 21–17, Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:28.
Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Roddy White 22-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), Falcons 24–21, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:44.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 32-yard field goal, Tied 24–24, Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 3:28.
Overtime
  • ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, Falcons 27–24, Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 7:02.
Top passers
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/30, 228 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • NO – Drew Brees – 30/38, 365 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 149 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers

Hoping to increase their winning streak the Saints played inside their dome for an NFC South rivalry match against the Falcons. The Saints took the early lead when QB Drew Brees made a 2-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. The Falcons replied with QB Matt Ryan making a 13-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. The Saints re-took the lead with Brees finding WR Lance Moore on an 80-yard TD pass. But the Falcons replied in the second quarter with RB Michael Turner making a 1-yard TD run. The Saints trailed for the first time in the game when kicker Matt Bryant made a 23-yard field goal. But they took the lead with Brees finding Moore again on a 16-yard TD pass. The Falcons would score when Ryan made a 22-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. The Saints would tie the game with kicker Garrett Hartley making a 32-yard field goal. At overtime, the decision was made when Matt Bryant hit a 46-yard field goal to give the Saints their first loss of the season, bringing their record down to 2–1.

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 4: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 7 7014
Saints 0 10 3316

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: None (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,016
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter
  • No scoring
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • CAR – DeAngelo Williams 39-yard run (John Kasay kick), Panthers 14–10, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:55.
  • NO – John Carney 32-yard field goal, Panthers 14–13, Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:49.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – John Carney 25-yard field goal, Saints 16–14, Drive: 18 plays, 86 yards, 9:25.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • CAR – James Anderson – 12 tackles, 2 assists, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble
  • NO – Usama Young – 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1.0 sack

The Saints fourth game was inside their dome for an NFC south rivalry match against the Panthers. In the 1st quarter New Orleans took the lead as QB Drew Brees completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore. Carolina replied with QB Jimmy Clausen making a 55-yard TD pass to RB Jonathan Stewart. The Saints took the lead when kicker John Carney nailed a 32-yard field goal, but fell behind when RB DeAngelo Williams made a 39-yard TD run. Then John Carney made two field goals to give the Saints the win. He made a 32-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter and a 25-yard field goal in the 4th.

With the win, the Saints improved to 3–1.

Week 5: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 5: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 10 3 0720
Cardinals 0 3 171030

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – John Carney 31-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:07.
  • NO – Jeremy Shockey 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Carney kick), Saints 10–0, Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:32.
Second quarter
  • ARI – Jay Feely 37-yard field goal, Saints 10–3, Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:15.
  • ARI – Levi Brown 2-yard fumble recovery (Jay Feely kick), Tied 10–10, Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 1:02.
  • NO – John Carney 32-yard field goal, Saints 13–10, Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:09.
Third quarter
  • ARI – Jay Feely 44-yard field goal, Tied 13–13, Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 4:17.
Fourth quarter
  • ARI – Jay Feely 29-yard field goal, Cardinals 16–13, Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:48.
  • ARI – Kerry Rhodes 27-yard fumble return (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 23–13.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 35-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Carney kick), Cardinals 23–20, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 1:36.
  • ARI – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 28-yard interception return (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 30–20.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 24/39, 279 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
  • ARI – Max Hall – 17/27, 168 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their close win over the Panthers the Saints flew to University of Phoenix Stadium for an NFC duel with the Cardinals. In the first quarter the Saints took the early lead as kicker John Carney nailed a 31-yard field goal, followed by QB Drew Brees completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. The Cardinals replied with kicker Jay Feely making a 37-yard field goal, followed by OT Levi Brown recovering a fumble and returning it 2 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter the Saints fell behind when Feely got a 44-yard field goal, followed the 4th quarter by Feely's 29-yard field goal. Then FS Kerry Rhodes recovered a fumble and ran 27 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. Then the Saints replied with Brees making a 35-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem, but had more problems when Brees' pass was intercepted by CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and returned 28 yards to the end zone for a touchdown.

With the loss, the Saints fell to 3–2.

Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 10 7731
Buccaneers 0 0 066

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – Robert Meachem 42-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:39.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 27-yard field goal, Saints 17–0, Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:31.
Third quarter
  • NO – Heath Evans 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 24–0, Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:17.
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Micheal Spurlock 2-yard pass from Josh Freeman (pass failed), Saints 24–6, Drive: 14 plays, 88 yards, 6:13.
  • NO – Ladell Betts 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 31–6, Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:41.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 21/32, 263 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 25/43, 219 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Cardinals the Saints flew to Raymond James Stadium for an NFC South rivalry match against the Buccaneers. In the first quarter New Orleans took the lead when QB Drew Brees completed a 41-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore. Followed in the second quarter by Brees making a 42-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem. This was followed by kicker Garrett Hartley nailing a 27-yard field goal. The Saints increased their lead when QB Drew Brees made a 4-yard TD pass to FB Heath Evans. Tampa Bay scored in the fourth quarter with QB Josh Freeman making a 2-yard TD pass to WR Micheal Spurlock (With a failed 2-point conversion), but the Saints pulled away as RB Ladell Betts got a 1-yard TD run.

With the win, the Saints improve to 4–2.

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 7: Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Browns 10 10 01030
Saints 0 3 01417

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

1st quarter
  • CLE – (10:25) Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal, Browns 3–0, Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 2:43.
  • CLE – (6:48) Peyton Hillis 4-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 10–0, Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:32.
2nd quarter
  • NO – (5:32) Garrett Hartley 32-yard field goal, Browns 10–3, Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 4:21.
  • CLE – (2:18) Phil Dawson 21-yard field goal, Browns 13–3, Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:14.
  • CLE – (1:49) David Bowens 30-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 20–3.
3rd quarter
4th quarter
  • NO – (13:29) David Thomas 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Browns 20–10, Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 8:33.
  • CLE – (5:55) Phil Dawson 38-yard field goal, Browns 23–10, Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 7:34.
  • CLE – (3:33) David Bowens 64-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 30–10.
  • NO – (1:38) Marques Colston 8-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Browns 30–17, Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 1:55.
Top passers
  • CLE – Colt McCoy – 9/16, 74 yards
  • NO – Drew Brees – 37/56, 356 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receveivers
Top tacklers

With the loss, the Saints fell to 4–3.

Week 8: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 0710
Saints 0 3 31420

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Browns, the Saints stayed home for a Week 8 interconference duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. After a scoreless first quarter, New Orleans trailed in the second quarter as Steelers kicker Jeff Reed got a 19-yard field goal. The Saints would answer with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Garrett Hartley.

New Orleans took the lead in the third quarter as Hartley booted a 23-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints increased their lead as quarterback Drew Brees found wide receiver Marques Colston on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh responded with running back Rashard Mendenhall getting a 38-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans came right back as Brees connected with wide receiver Lance Moore on an 8-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, the Saints improved to 5–3.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

Week 9: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 10 10734
Panthers 3 0 003

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–3, Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:14.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, Saints 17–3, Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 0:54.
Third quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 36-yard field goal, Saints 20–3, Drive: 11 plays, 39 yards, 5:02.
  • NO – Jabari Greer 24-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 27–3.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Ladell Betts 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 34–3, Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:20.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 27/43, 253 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • CAR – Jimmy Clausen – 8/18, 47 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Steelers the Saints flew to Bank of America Stadium for an NFC South rivalry match against the Panthers. In the first quarter the Saints trailed early after kicker John Kasay made a 20-yard field goal. Then they made a large scoring run to dominate the game after QB Drew Brees completed a 7-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. Followed by Brees finding TE Jimmy Graham on a 19-yard TD pass. The lead was extended by kicker Garrett Hartley as he nailed a 31 and a 36-yard field goal. The Saints increased their lead with CB Jabari Greer returning an interception 24 yards for a touchdown. This was followed by RB Ladell Betts getting a 1-yard TD run.

With the win, the Saints headed into their bye week at 6–3 and swept the Panthers for the first time since 2001.

Week 11: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 11: Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Seahawks 3 13 0319
Saints 7 20 7034

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 20-yard field goal, Seahawks 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.
  • NO – Chris Ivory 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–3, Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:37.
Second quarter
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 43-yard field goal, Saints 7–6, Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 1:35.
  • NO – Marques Colston 23-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–6, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:38.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 21–6, Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:06.
  • SEA – Ben Obomanu 2-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), Saints 21–13, Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 3:54.
  • NO – Marques Colston 22-yard pass from Drew Brees (kick aborted), Saints 27–13, Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 0:54.
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 43-yard field goal, Saints 27–16, Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:00.
Third quarter
  • NO – Robert Meachem 32-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 34–16, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:42.
Fourth quarter
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 20-yard field goal, Saints 34–19, Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 7:02.
Top passers
  • SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 32/44, 366 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NO – Drew Brees – 29/43, 382 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their bye week the Saints played inside their dome for an NFC duel with the Seahawks. In the first quarter the Saints trailed early as kicker Olindo Mare hit a 20-yard field goal; but they pulled ahead after RB Chris Ivory got a 1-yard TD run. The lead narrowed in the 2nd quarter by Mare getting a 43-yard field goal. The Saints increased it when QB Drew Brees made a 23 and a 3-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston and WR Robert Meachem. The lead was narrowed again after QB Matt Hasselbeck got a 2-yard TD pass to WR Ben Obomanu; but the Saints replied with Brees throwing a 22-yard TD pass to Colston. The lead narrowed again with Mare hitting a 43-yard field goal. The lead extended in the third quarter with Brees finding Meachem again on a 32-yard TD pass. The Seahawks made the only score of the fourth quarter with Mare making a 20-yard field goal.

With the win, the Saints improved to 7–3.

Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys

Thanksgiving Day Game
Week 12: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 17 3 3730
Cowboys 0 6 14727

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – Chris Ivory 3-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, 'Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 50-yard field goal, Saints 10–0, 'Drive: 4 plays, −1 yards, 1:31.
  • NO – Chris Ivory 6-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 17–0, 'Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:59.
Second quarter
  • DAL – David Buehler 21-yard field goal, Saints 17–3, 'Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 7:41.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 45-yard field goal, Saints 20–3, 'Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 4:30.
  • DAL – David Buehler 53-yard field goal, Saints 20–6, 'Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 0:43.
Third quarter
  • DAL – Miles Austin 60-yard run (David Buehler kick), Saints 20–13, 'Drive: 2 plays, 68 yards, 0:59.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 28-yard field goal, Saints 23–13, 'Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:31.
  • DAL – Marion Barber 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Saints 23–20, 'Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:55.
Fourth quarter
  • DAL – Tashard Choice 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 27–23, 'Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:08.
  • NO – Lance Moore 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 30–27, 'Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:08.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 23/39, 352 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • DAL – Jon Kitna – 30/42, 313 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Saints played the Thanksgiving Day game at Cowboys Stadium for an NFC duel against the Cowboys. The Saints commanded the first quarter with RB Chris Ivory getting a 3-yard TD run, followed by kicker Garrett Hartley getting a 50-yard field goal, and then by Ivory making a 6-yard TD run. The lead was narrowed as kicker David Buehler got a 21-yard field goal, but the Saints replied as Hartley nailed a 45-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed again as Buehler hit a 53-yard field goal, followed by Miles Austin getting a 60-yard TD run. The Saints scored with Hartley making a 28-yard field goal, but fell behind with Marion Barber and Tashard Choice getting a 1-yard TD run. The Saints, down 27–23, were well on their way to defeat when John Kitna hit Austin with a long-gainer, but safety Malcolm Jenkins stripped Roy Williams and recovered at the New Orleans 11, enabling the Saints to pull out the win five plays later, with QB Drew Brees completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore, completing an 89-yard drive.

With the win, the Saints improved to 8–3.

Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 13: New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 3 10 71434
Bengals 0 6 61830

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

1st quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 48-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:21.
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 29-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 7:08.
  • NO – Chris Ivory 55-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 10–3, Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:01.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 23-yard field goal, Saints 10–6, Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 2:21.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 24-yard field goal, Saints 13–6, Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 3:15.
3rd quarter
  • NO – Chris Ivory 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 20–6, Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:54.
  • CIN – Terrell Owens 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (kick failed, wr), Saints 20–12, Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:12.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 1-yard run (Clint Stitser kick), Saints 20–19, Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:36.
  • NO – Robert Meachem 52-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 27–19, Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:25.
  • CIN – Cedric Benson 4-yard run (Carson Palmer – Jermaine Gresham pass), Tied 27–27, Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:05.
  • CIN – Clint Stitser 47-yard field goal, Bengals 30–27, Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 1:38.
  • NO – Marques Colston 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garret Hartley kick), Saints 34–30, Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:54.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 24/29, 313 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 23/33, 249 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Cowboys the Saints played an interconference duel with the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. In the first quarter, the Saints took the early lead as kicker Garrett Hartley nailed a 48-yard field goal. The Bengals replied with kicker Clint Stitser hitting a 29-yard field goal, but the Saints scored again with RB Chris Ivory getting a 55-yard TD run, with the Bengals responding as Stitser made a 23-yard field goal. The Saints increased their lead as Hartley made a 24-yard field goal, followed by Ivory getting a 1-yard TD run. The lead was broken down as QB Carson Palmer made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens (With a failed PAT as the kick went wide right), followed by RB Cedric Benson getting a 1-yard TD run. The Saints responded as QB Drew Brees completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem, but fell behind with Benson getting a 4-yard TD run (With a successful 2-point conversion as Palmer passed to TE Jermaine Gresham), followed by Stitser making a 47-yard field goal. Still, they managed to score to take the win as Brees threw a 3-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston.

With the win, the Saints improved to 9–3.

Week 14: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week 14: St. Louis Rams at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 0 6 0713
Saints 14 7 7331

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – Marques Colston 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:35.
  • NO – Marques Colston 17-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–0, Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:26.
Second quarter
  • STL – Josh Brown 38-yard field goal, Saints 14–3, Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:04.
  • STL – Josh Brown 45-yard field goal, Saints 14–6, Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 1:06.
  • NO – Malcolm Jenkins 96-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 21–6.
Third quarter
  • NO – Lance Moore 31-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 28–6, Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:11.
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 40-yard field goal, Saints 31–6, Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 4:07.
  • STL – Sam Bradford 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), Saints 31–13, Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:21.
Top passers
  • STL – Sam Bradford – 18/32, 231 yards, 2 interceptions
  • NO – Drew Brees – 25/40, 221 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • STL – Craig Dahl – 9 tackles, 1 interception
  • NO – Jonathan Vilma – 7 tackles, 1 assist, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble

With the win, the Saints improved to 10–3.

Week 15: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 15: New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 3724
Ravens 7 14 3630

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • BAL – Ray Rice 10-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 14–7, Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 4:15.
  • BAL – Ray Rice 17-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 21–7, Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 3:05.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Ravens 21–14, Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 2:52.
3rd quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 47-yard field goal, Ravens 21–17, Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 4:08.
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 33-yard field goal, Ravens 24–17, Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:09.
4th quarter
  • NO – Lance Moore 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Tied 24–24, Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:31.
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 32-yard field goal, Ravens 27–24, Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:31.
  • BAL – Billy Cundiff 27-yard field goal, Ravens 30–24, Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:38.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 29/46, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • BAL – Joe Flacco – 10/20, 172 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the loss, the Saints fell to 10–4.

Week 16: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 16: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 3 7 0717
Falcons 0 7 0714

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

First quarter
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 52-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 4:19.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • No scoring
Fourth quarter
  • ATL – Chauncey Davis 26-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), Falcons 14–10.
  • NO – Jimmy Graham 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 17–14, Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 7:11.
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 35/49, 302 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 15/29, 148 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Looking to clinch a playoff berth and avenge their Week 3 loss against the Falcons, the Saints traveled to Atlanta for a Monday Night rematch. New Orleans would score first with Garrett Hartley kicking a FG from 52 yards late in the first quarter. RB Pierre Thomas would add to the Saints' lead with a 2-yard TD run; however, Atlanta would respond with a Matt Ryan 7-yard TD pass to Roddy White to cut the lead to three. After a scoreless third quarter, the Falcons took the lead with Chauncey Davis returning an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans reclaimed the lead late in the 4th with a Drew Brees 6-yard TD pass to Jimmy Graham. Atlanta attempted to come back; however, New Orleans held on for the win.

With the win, the Saints improved to 11–4 and clinched a playoff berth, becoming the first team in the NFC South to earn consecutive playoff appearances.

Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 7 10323
Saints 7 0 3313

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB –
  • NO –
Top rushers
  • TB –
  • NO –
Top receivers
  • TB –
  • NO –
Top tacklers
  • TB –
  • NO –

The Saints' sixteenth game was an NFC South rivalry rematch against the Buccaneers inside their dome. In the first quarter the Saints trailed early as kicker Connor Barth hit a 43-yard field goal, but took the lead with QB Drew Brees throwing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jimmy Graham. The Buccaneers replied with QB Josh Freeman completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Dezmon Briscoe, but the Saints tied the game with kicker Garrett Hartley nailing a 45-yard field goal. However, they fell behind again with Barth hitting a 32-yard field goal, followed by Freeman making an 18-yard TD pass to WR Mike Williams. The Saints tried to narrow the gap with Hartley making a 38-yard field goal, but the Buccaneers pulled away with Barth nailing a 48-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Saints finish their regular season on an 11–5 record.

Postseason results

For more details on this topic, see 2010–11 NFL playoffs.
Week Date Kickoff Opponent (seed) Results Game Site TV Recap
Final score Team record
WC January 8 1:30 PM PST at Seattle Seahawks (4) L 36–41 0–1 Qwest Field NBC Recap

NFC Wild Card playoffs: at Seattle Seahawks

New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 10 10 01636
Seahawks 7 17 10741

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information

1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
  • NO – Julius Jones 5-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:42. Saints 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 5:00.
  • SEA – John Carlson 7-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 11:06. Saints 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 2:38.
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 29-yard field goal, 7:07. Tied 17–17. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:47.
  • SEA – Brandon Stokley 45-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 1:23. Seahawks 24–17. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 3:48.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 22-yard field goal, 0:03. Seahawks 24–20. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 1:15.
3rd Quarter
  • SEA – Mike Williams 38-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 11:55.Seahawks 31–20. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:12.
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 39 field goal, 5:31. Seahawks 34–20. Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:12.
4th Quarter
  • NO – Julius Jones 4-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:16. Seahawks 34–27. Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 4:41.
  • NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 9:16. Seahawks 34–30. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:27.
  • SEA – Marshawn Lynch 67-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 3:38. Seahawks 41–30. Drive: 2 plays, 67 yards, 0:58.
  • NO – Devery Henderson 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (run failed), 1:34. Seahawks 41–36. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 1:52.
Leading passers
Leading rushers
Leading receivers

Entering the postseason as the NFC's #5 seed, the Saints began their playoff run at Qwest Field for the NFC Wild Card Round against the #4 Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of their Week 11 duel. The Seahawks entered the playoffs as the only team to ever make the playoffs with a losing record, theirs being 7–9. New Orleans delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Garrett Hartley, followed by quarterback Drew Brees finding fullback Heath Evans on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Seahawks would answer with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end John Carlson. The Saints struck back in the second quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Julius Jones, but Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck's 7-yard touchdown pass to Carlson, kicker Olindo Mare making a 29-yard field goal, and Hasselbeck completing a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Stokley. New Orleans would close out the half with Hartley's 22-yard field goal.

The Seahawks continued to hack away in the third quarter as Hasselbeck threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Williams, followed by Mare's 39-yard field goal. The Saints tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Jones got a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by Hartley's 21-yard field goal, but Seattle deilvered a punishing blow as running back Marshawn Lynch got a 67-yard touchdown run. New Orleans tried to catch up with Brees connecting with wide receiver Devery Henderson (with a failed two-point conversion), but a failed onside kick sealed any hope of a comeback.

With the loss, the Saints, with an overall record of 11–6, were dethroned as Super Bowl champions. This was the sixth consecutive year the defending world champions failed to repeat their title.

Personnel

Coaching staff

New Orleans Saints 2010 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
  • Strength and Conditioning Assistant – Robert Wenning

Coaching Assistants

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

Final roster

2010 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, 12 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

References

  1. ↑ ESPN.com staff (2010-02-08). "2010 NFL draft order". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on 8 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
  2. 1 2 "NFL Transactions Report – New Orleans Saints". National Football League. 2010 NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  3. 1 2 "New Orleans Saints – Transactions". Neworleanssaints.com. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  4. ↑ King, Kevin (2010-02-19). "Former OSU Receiver D'Juan Woods Cut By Saints". KTUL. American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
  5. 1 2 3 Staton, Ed (2010-03-05). "New Orleans Saints; Charles Grant, Jake Delhomme, Mark Simoneau". BayouBuzz.com. Louisiana Daily News. Retrieved 2010-03-05.
  6. ↑ Saints Learn 2010 Preseason Opponents

External links

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