1. Offseason
    2011 draft board 

2. Preseason
    Schedule 

3. Regular season
    Schedule  Game summaries  Week 1: at Green Bay Packers  Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears  Week 3: vs. Houston Texans  Week 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars  Week 5: at Carolina Panthers  Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Week 7: vs. Indianapolis Colts  Week 8: at St. Louis Rams  Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers  Week 10: at Atlanta Falcons  Week 12: vs. New York Giants  Week 13: vs. Detroit Lions  Week 14: at Tennessee Titans  Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings  Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons  Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers  Standings 

4. Postseason
    Schedule  Game summaries  NFC Wild Card Playoff Game: vs. #6 Detroit Lions  NFC Divisional Playoff Game: at San Francisco 49ers 

5. Staff

6. Final roster

7. Awards

8. Records Set
    Team Records Set or Tied  Individual Records Set or Tied  Drew Brees  Darren Sproles 

9. Notes and references

The 2011 New Orleans Saints season was the franchise's 45th season in the National Football League, the 36th to host home at the Mercedes-Benz 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

^{{{note|Patriots trade 1|[a]}}} The Saints acquired this first-round selection in exchange for its second-round selection (#56 overall) and a 2012 first-round selection.

^{{{note|Redskins trade Jammal Brown|[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.

^{{{note|Jaguars trade|[c]}}} The Saints traded its fourth-round selection (#121 overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2010 fifth-round selection.

^{{{note|Patriots trade 2|[d]}}} The Saints traded its sixth-round selection (#189 overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for TE David Thomas.

^{{{note|Compensatory|[e]}}} Compensatory selection.

Preseason

Schedule

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

Regular season

Schedule

LEGEND

Bold indicates division opponents.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Green Bay Packers

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 32/49, 419 yards, 3 touchdowns
• GB – Aaron Rodgers – 27/35, 312 yards, 3 touchdowns

• NO – Mark Ingram – 13 rushes, 40 yards
• GB – James Starks – 12 rushes, 57 yards, 1 touchdown

• NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 100 yards
• GB – Greg Jennings – 7 receptions, 89 yards, 1 touchdown

• NO – Roman Harper – 7 tackles, 2 assists
• GB – Morgan Burnett – 7 tackles, 7 assists

The Saints 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

• CHI – Dane Sanzenbacher 8-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0
• NO – John Kasay 31-yard field goal Bears 7–3

• 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

• 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

• NO – Darren Sproles 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 30–13

• CHI – Jay Cutler 19/45, 244 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Drew Brees 26/37, 270 yards, 3 touchdowns

• CHI – Matt Forte 10 rushes, 49 yards
• NO – Mark Ingram 14 rushes, 51 yards

Leading Receivers

• CHI – Matt Forte 10 receptions, 117 yards
• NO – Darren Sproles 8 receptions, 43 yards

• CHI – Lance Briggs 10 tackles, 1 assist
• NO – Roman Harper 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• HOU – Matt Schaub – 22/39, 373 Yards, 3 TD, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 31/44, 370 Yards, 3 TD, INT

• HOU – Ben Tate – 19 Rushes, 82 Yards
• NO – Mark Ingram – 9 Rushes, 38 Yards, TD

• HOU – Andre Johnson – 7 Receptions, 128 Yards
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 4 Receptions, 100 Yards, TD

• HOU – Kareem Jackson – 7 Tackles
• NO – Jarvis Dunbar – 6 Tackles

With the win the Saints improved to 2–1.

Week 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars

• NO – Jed Collins 1-yard run (John Kasay kicks) Saints 7–0

• NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick) Saints 14–0
• JAC – Zach Miller 14-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert (Josh Scobee kick) Saints 14–7
• JAC – Josh Scobee 31-yard Field Goal Jaguars 10–14

• NO – John Kasay 38-yard Field Goal Saints 17–10
• NO – John Kasay 39-yard Field Goal Saints 20–10

• NO – John Kasay 21-yard Field Goal Saints 23–10

• NO – Drew Brees – 31/44, 351 yards, TD, 2 INT
• JAC – Blaine Gabbert – 16/42, 196 yards, TD, INT

• NO – Darren Sproles – 7 rushes, 75 yards
• JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 11 rushes, 84 yards

• NO – Jimmy Graham – 10 receptions, 132 yards, TD
• JAC – Mike Thomas – 11 receptions, 73 yards

• NO – Roman Harper – 5 tackles, 3 assists, sack
• JAC – Paul Posluzny – 9 tackles, 4 assists, sack

With the win the Saints improved to 3–1.

Week 5: at Carolina Panthers

• NO – Jed Collins 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick) Saints 7–0
• NO – John Kasay 23 yd. Field Goal Saints 10–0
• CAR – Steve Smith 54-yard pass from Cam Newton (kick blocked) Saints 10–6

• NO – Mark Ingram 1-yard run (John Kasay kick) Saints 17–6
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams 69-yard run (Olindo Mare kick) Saints 17–13
• NO – John Kasay 46-yard Field Goal Saints 20–13

• NO – John Kasay 37-yard Field Goal Saints 23–13
• CAR – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Olindo Mare kick) Saints 23–20

• CAR – Greg Olsen 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Olindo Mare kick) Panthers 27–23
• NO – Pierre Thomas 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick) Saints 30–27

• NO – Drew Brees – 32/45, 359 yards, 2 TD, INT
• CAR – Cam Newton – 16/31, 224 yards, 2 TD, INT

• NO – Darren Sproles – 11 rushes, 51 yards
• CAR – Deangelo Williams – 9 rushes, 115 yards, TD

• NO – Jimmy Graham – 8 rec, 129 yards
• CAR – Steve Smith – 3 rec, 79 yards, TD

• NO – Malcolm Jenkins – 6 tackles
• CAR – Charles Godfrey – 9 tackles

}} 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 383 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
• TB – Josh Freeman – 23/41, 303 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

• NO – Mark Ingram – 9 rushes, 22 yards, 1 TD
• TB – Earnest Graham – 17 rushes, 109 yards

• NO – Jimmy Graham – 7 rec, 124 yards
• TB – Arrelious Benn – 3 rec, 83 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Malcolm Jenkins – 6 tackles, 1 assist
• TB – Ronde Barber – 7 tackles, 1 assist

Week 7: vs. Indianapolis Colts

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• IND – Curtis Painter 9/17, 67 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
• NO – Drew Brees 31/35, 325 yards, 5 touchdowns

• IND – Delone Carter 10 rushes, 89 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Mark Ingram 14 rushes, 91 yards, 0 touchdowns

• IND – Reggie Wayne 3 receptions, 36 yds, 0 touchdowns
• NO – Marques Colston 7 receptions, 98 yds, 2 touchdowns

• 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 the 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 30/44, 269 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
• STL – A.Feeley – 20/37, 175 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Pierre Thomas – 7 rushes, 23 yards, 1 TD
• STL – Stephen Jackson – 25 rushes, 159 yards, 2 TD

• NO – Lance Moore – 7 rec, 74 yards, 1 TD
• STL – Brandon Lloyd – 6 rec, 53 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Scott Shanle – 6 tackles
• STL – James Laurinaitis – 10 tackles, 1 sack

}} 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

• NO – L.Moore 3 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:40.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 27/36, 258 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
• TB – Josh Freeman – 27/37, 281 yards, 1 TD

• TB – LeGarrette Blount – 13 rushes, 72 yards
• NO – Chris Ivory – 15 rushes, 67 yards

• TB – Preston Parker – 3 rec, 56 yards
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 6 rec, 78 yards

• TB – Mason Foster – 7 tackles, 2 assists
• NO – Roman Harper – 8 tackles, 1 assists, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Week 10: at Atlanta Falcons

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – J.Kasay 26 yd. Field Goal Saints 26–23. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:21.

• NO – Drew Brees – 30/43, 322 yards, 2 TD
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 29/52, 351 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

• NO – Pierre Thomas – 6 rushes, 29 yards
• ATL – Michael Turner – 22 rushes, 96 yards

• NO – Marques Colston – 8 rec, 113 yards
• ATL – Harry Douglas – 8 rec, 133 yards

• NO – Roman Harper – 10 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack
• ATL – Thomas DeCoud – 7 tackles, 1 assists

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 24/38, 363 yards, 4 TD
• NYG – Eli Manning – 33/47, 406 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

• NO – Mark Ingram – 13 rushes, 80 yards, 1 TD
• NYG – Brandon Jacobs – 13 rushes, 46 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Jimmy Graham – 5 rec, 84 yards, 2 TD
• NYG – Victor Cruz – 9 rec, 157 yards, 2 TD

• NO – Tracy Porter – 8 tackles, 2 assists, 1 forced fumble
• NYG – Jason Pierre-Paul – 5 tackles, 1 assists

Week 13: vs. Detroit Lions

• NO – John Kasay 39-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 5:08.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Darren Sproles 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Kasay kick), Saints 31–17, Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:49.

• DET – Matthew Stafford – 31/44, 408 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
• NO – Drew Brees −26/36, 342 yards, 3 touchdowns

• DET – Kevin Smith – 6 carries, 34 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Mark Ingram – 16 carries, 34 yards, 1 touchdown

• DET – Nate Burleson – 5 receptions, 93 yards
• NO – Robert Meachem – 3 receptions, 119 yards, 1 touchdown

• DET – Amari Speivey – 9 tackles, 1 assist
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 6 tackles, 1 assist

Week 14: at Tennessee Titans

• NO – J.Kasay 25 yd. Field Goal Saints 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:06.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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) Saints 22–17. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:03.

• NO – Drew Brees – 36/47, 337 yards, 2 TD
• TEN – Jake Locker – 13/29, 282 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Chris Ivory – 13 rushes, 53 yards
• TEN – Jake Locker – 6 rushes, 36 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Marques Colston – 7 rec, 105 yards, 2 TD
• TEN – Nate Washington – 6 rec, 130 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Malcolm Jenkins – 8 tackles, 2 assists
• TEN – Alterraun Verner – 9 tackles, 1 assist

Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 32/40, 412 yards, 5 TD
• MIN – Christian Ponder – 14/31, 120 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

• NO – Chris Ivory – 18 rushes, 74 yards
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 10 rushes, 60 yards

• NO – Lance Moore – 5 rec, 91 yards, 2 TD
• MIN – Toby Gerhart – 4 rec, 46 yards, 2 TD

• NO – Jabari Greer – 3 tackles, 1 assist
• MIN – E.J. Henderson – 9 tackles, 2 assist

Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 23/39, 307 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 34/52, 373 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Darren Sproles – 5 rushes, 67 yards
• ATL – Michael Turner – 11 rushes, 39 yards

• NO – Marques Colston – 7 rec, 81 yards, 1 TD
• ATL – Julio Jones – 8 rec, 128 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Jabari Greer – 8 tackles, 2 assist
• ATL – Thomas DeCoud – 7 tackles, 3 assist

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• NO – D.Sproles 9 yd. pass from D.Brees (J.Kasay kick) Saints 45–17. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:50.

• NO – Drew Brees – 28/35, 389 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
• CAR – Cam Newton – 15/25, 158 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

• NO – Chris Ivory – 19 rushes, 127 yards, 1 TD
• CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 9 rushes, 79 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Marques Colston – 7 rec, 145 yards, 2 TD
• CAR – Steve Smith – 6 rec, 86 yards, 1 TD

• NO – Jo-Lonn Dunbar – 4 tackles, 1 forced fumble
• CAR – James Anderson – 9 tackles, 6 assist

Standings

Postseason

Schedule

Game summaries

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

• DET – Will Heller 10-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), 10:58. Lions 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:02.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• DET – Matthew Stafford – 28/43, 380 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 33/43, 466 yards, 3 TD

• DET – Kevin Smith – 6 rushes, 21 yards
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 8 rushes, 66 yards, TD

Leading receivers

• DET – Calvin Johnson – 12 rec, 211 yards, 2 TD
• NO – Marques Colston – 7 rec, 120 yards

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

• 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.

• 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.

• SF – D.Akers 41 yd. Field Goal 49ers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, :59.

• 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.

• NO – Drew Brees – 40/63, 462 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
• SF – Alex Smith – 24/42, 299 yards, 3 TD,

• NO – Chris Ivory – 9 rushes, 23 yards
• SF – Frank Gore – 13 rushes, 89 yards

Leading receivers

• NO – Marques Colston – 9 rec, 136 yards, 1 TD
• SF – Vernon Davis – 7 rec, 180 yards, 2 TD

• NO – M.Jenkins – 8 tackles, 1 sack
• SF – D.Goldson – 11 tackles, 1 INT

Staff

Final roster

Awards

• Offensive Player of the Year – Drew Brees

Records Set

Team Records Set or Tied

• Most Yards Gained, Season, 7,474
• Most Yards Gained, Passing, Season, 5,347
• Most Passes Completed, Season, 472
• Highest Completion Percentage, Season, 71.3
• Most First Downs, Season, 416
• Most First Downs, Passing, Season, 280
• Most Points at Home, Season, 329
• Most Points per Home Game, Season, 41.1
• Most Points, Single Team, Game, Since AFL/NFL Merger, 62 (vs Indianapolis Colts) Oct. 23, 2011 (tied with four other teams)

Individual Records Set or Tied

Drew Brees

• Most passing yards, season: 5,476
• Most consecutive 300+ yards passing games: 7
• Most consecutive 350+ yards passing games: 4
• Most consecutive 400+ yards passing games: 2 (tied)
• Most games, 250+ yards passing, season: 16
• Most games, 350+ yards passing, season: 8
• Most games, 300+ yards passing, season: 13
• Most games, 30 or more pass attempts, season: 16 (tied)
• Most pass completions, season: 468
• Most consecutive games 20 completions: 36 (2009–present)^[6]
• Most games 20 completions, season: 16 (tied his own 2010 record)
• Most games 30 completions, career: 29 (2005–present)
• Most games 30 completions, season: 9
• Most games 30 completions and no interceptions, career: 14 (2006–present)
• Most games with 30 completions and no interceptions, season: 5 (tied)
• Highest completion percentage, season: 71.2 (468 for 657)^[7]
• Most games with more than 80% pass completion rate, career (minimum 20 passes per game): 12 (2004–present)^[8]
• Most games with more than 80% pass completion rate, season (minimum 20 passes per game): 3
• Most consecutive seasons 4,000+ yards: 6 (2006–2011)
• Most career seasons 5,000+ yards: 2
• Most games, 350+ yards passing, career: 29
• Most Games 5+ TD Passes, Career 7, (2004–present)
• Most Games 1+ TD Passes, Season 16 (tied)
• Most Seasons, 45+ Touchdown Passes, 1 (tied)
• Most Consecutive Playoff Games, 2+ Touchdown Passes 7 (tied) (2006–2011)
• Most consecutive passes, None intercepted, post-season: 226 (January 21, 2007 – January 14, 2012)
• Most games with 400 yards passing and no interceptions, career 4 (tied)
• Most games with 5 touchdown passes and no interceptions, career 5 (2004–present)
• Most games with 30 completions and no interceptions, career 14 (2006–2011)
• Passing Yards in a single month 1,687 (October 2011)

Darren Sproles

• Most yards gained, total, season: 2,696

Notes and references

• List of world folk-epics
• List of World Folk-Epics
• List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)
• List of World Heritage in Danger
• List of World Heritage Sites, Europe
• List of World Heritage Sites in Africa
• List of World Heritage Sites in Asia
• List of World Heritage Sites in Europe
• List of World Heritage Sites in the Americas
• List of world leaders
• List of world metropoleis
• List of world metropolii
• List of World Metropolises
• List of world number one snooker players
• List of World Organization of the Scout Movement members
• List of world records in chess
• List of world records in rowing
• List of world's fairs
• List of worlds largest companies
• List of world's largest economies
• List of worlds largest ships
• List of world's tallest structures
• List of World's Tallest Structures
• List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)
• List of World War I Central Powers aircraft