What Is 2017 New Orleans Saints season

Overview

The 2017 New Orleans Saints season marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, culminating in a playoff appearance after missing the postseason in 2016. Under head coach Sean Payton, the team finished with an 11-5 record, the best in the NFC South, and secured a wild card berth despite not winning the division outright due to tiebreakers.

The Saints demonstrated strong offensive performance throughout the year, led by quarterback Drew Brees and a revitalized defense. Their playoff run brought national attention, especially after a dramatic road victory in the Wild Card round, showcasing the team’s resilience and depth.

• Record: The Saints posted an 11-5 regular season record, their best win total since 2011 when they went 13-3.
• Division Standing: They won the NFC South title with a 11-5 record, edging out the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons on tiebreakers.
• Drew Brees: Brees threw for 4,334 yards and 23 touchdowns, maintaining his status as one of the league’s most efficient passers.
• Defense: The Saints defense improved significantly, allowing only 19.5 points per game, a major improvement from previous seasons.
• Playoff Berth: They earned the #4 seed in the NFC playoffs, hosting the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Playoff Performance

The Saints’ postseason journey in 2017 was both thrilling and heartbreaking, highlighted by a dramatic road win and a last-second loss that became known as the 'Minneapolis Miracle.'

• Wild Card Round: On January 7, 2018, the Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 31-26, with Drew Brees throwing for 376 yards and three touchdowns.
• Divisional Round: Facing the Minnesota Vikings on January 14, 2018, the Saints held a 24-23 lead with seconds remaining.
• Minneapolis Miracle: In one of the most iconic plays in NFL history, Stefon Diggs caught a 61-yard touchdown pass as time expired, sealing a 29-24 Vikings win.
• Defensive Effort: The Saints defense forced three turnovers in the Vikings game, including two interceptions off Case Keenum.
• Season End: The loss ended the Saints’ season in heartbreaking fashion, but it galvanized the team for future success.
• Coaching: Sean Payton’s aggressive play-calling was praised, especially in high-pressure moments during the playoff run.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Saints season compares to recent campaigns in key statistical categories:

The 2017 season represented a clear improvement over the previous four years, both in record and defensive performance. The team allowed 62 fewer points than in 2016 and advanced further in the playoffs than in 2013, despite matching the win total.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was pivotal for the Saints franchise, setting the foundation for sustained success in the late 2010s. It reestablished New Orleans as a playoff contender and boosted morale after several underperforming seasons.

• Franchise Momentum: The playoff run energized the fanbase and increased ticket sales and merchandise revenue in subsequent years.
• Drew Brees Legacy: Brees’ performance reinforced his status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, even in his late 30s.
• Defensive Growth: The improvement of the defense under coordinator Dennis Allen showed the team’s balanced potential.
• Playoff Experience: Young players like Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara gained crucial postseason experience.
• Minneapolis Miracle: The heartbreaking loss became a cultural moment in NFL history, widely replayed and analyzed.
• Future Success: The 2017 campaign laid the groundwork for the Saints’ 13-3 season in 2018 and deep playoff runs.

The 2017 New Orleans Saints season, though ending in heartbreak, proved to be a turning point that restored the team’s reputation as a consistent contender in the NFC.