What Is 1984 New Orleans Saints football team

Overview

The 1984 New Orleans Saints season marked the franchise's 18th year in the National Football League. Under head coach Bum Phillips, the team showed modest improvement compared to previous years but ultimately missed the playoffs with a losing record.

Despite flashes of promise, especially on defense, the Saints struggled with consistency on offense and injuries to key players. The season reflected the transitional phase of a team building toward future competitiveness in the late 1980s.

• Record: The 1984 Saints finished with a 7-9 record, their best mark since going 8-8 in 1981, showing incremental progress.
• Head Coach:Bum Phillips led the team for the fourth and final season before being replaced by his son, Wade Phillips, in 1985.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at the Louisiana Superdome, a venue known for its loud crowd and indoor conditions.
• Starting Quarterback:Dave Wilson started 12 games, stepping in after injuries sidelined veteran Ken O'Brien and others.
• Offensive Struggles: The team ranked 28th in total offense, averaging just 285.8 yards per game, hampering their playoff chances.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1984 campaign featured a mix of defensive resilience and offensive inconsistency, defining the Saints' year in the NFC West.

• Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Sam Mills recorded 137 tackles, establishing himself as a key defensive leader despite being undrafted.
• Notable Win: A 20-17 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 kept playoff hopes alive late into the season.
• Injuries: Quarterback Ken O'Brien missed significant time, forcing reliance on Dave Wilson and backup Bobby Hebert.
• Rushing Game: Running back George Rogers led the ground attack with 742 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 211 carries.
• Passing Stats: Dave Wilson threw for 1,897 yards with 9 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, reflecting offensive inefficiency.
• Final Game: The season ended with a 35-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, eliminating postseason hopes.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1984 Saints compared to division rivals and league averages across key statistical categories:

The Saints ranked below average in most categories, finishing behind division leaders like the dominant 15-1 49ers. While they outperformed the Falcons in wins and scoring, their defense allowed more points than it generated, a recurring flaw.

Why It Matters

The 1984 season was a transitional chapter in Saints history, laying groundwork for future improvements despite missing the postseason.

• Development of Sam Mills: Though not widely recognized yet, Sam Mills began his impactful career, later becoming a defensive icon.
• Coaching Transition: Bum Phillips’ departure after 1984 marked the end of an era, leading to Wade Phillips taking over in 1985.
• Quarterback Instability: The revolving door at QB highlighted the need for long-term stability, eventually addressed in later drafts.
• Stadium Legacy: Playing at the Superdome reinforced the Saints’ identity as a dome team with passionate local support.
• Foundation for Growth: The modest 7-9 record signaled incremental progress from 13-31 combined in the prior two seasons.
• Fan Engagement: Despite losing records, attendance remained strong, showing New Orleans’ growing commitment to the franchise.

The 1984 season may not stand out in NFL history, but it was a step forward for a franchise striving to escape prolonged mediocrity. It underscored the challenges of building a competitive team through coaching changes and player development, setting the stage for future evolution.