What Is 2018 New Orleans Saints season

Overview

The 2018 New Orleans Saints season marked one of the most successful regular seasons in franchise history. Under head coach Sean Payton and led by quarterback Drew Brees, the team posted a 13-3 record, securing the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Their strong performance included dominant wins and a league-leading defense, making them Super Bowl contenders.

The Saints showcased consistency on both sides of the ball, with Brees throwing for over 3,900 yards and 32 touchdowns despite missing two games. Running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas emerged as key offensive weapons, while the defense, led by Cameron Jordan, ranked among the league's best in takeaways and scoring defense.

• Started the season 8-0, their best start since 2009, demonstrating early dominance and momentum.
• Defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20-14 in the Divisional Round, a rematch of the previous year’s Super Bowl team.
• Led 20-17 late in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship before losing in overtime to the Rams.
• Drew an average of 72,007 fans per home game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, reflecting strong local support.
• Finished third in points scored with 439 total points, averaging 27.4 per game.

How It Works

The Saints' success in 2018 stemmed from a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined defensive scheme. Sean Payton’s play-calling and Brees’ leadership were instrumental in maintaining consistency throughout the season.

• Drew Brees' Leadership: Brees threw for 3,992 yards and a 115.7 passer rating, maintaining elite efficiency despite limited playing time in blowouts.
• Alvin Kamara's Dual Threat: Kamara recorded 1,434 total yards and 12 touchdowns, proving vital in both rushing and receiving roles.
• Michael Thomas' Breakout Season: Thomas led the NFL with 125 receptions, setting a new record for most catches by a wide receiver in a single season.
• Defensive Turnaround: The defense forced 27 turnovers, up from 19 the previous year, thanks to improved secondary play and pressure from Cameron Jordan.
• Home-Field Advantage: The Saints went 8-0 at home, becoming the first NFC South team to achieve a perfect home record in a season.
• Special Teams Contributions: Kicker Wil Lutz made 29 of 32 field goals, providing reliable scoring in tight games.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 Saints compared to key NFC contenders during the regular season:

The Saints matched the Rams’ record but allowed fewer points, showcasing a more balanced team. However, the Rams advanced to Super Bowl LIII after defeating New Orleans in a controversial NFC Championship Game, highlighted by a missed pass interference call.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season remains a pivotal chapter in Saints history, representing both peak performance and heartbreaking disappointment. The team’s strong showing elevated expectations for future seasons and solidified their status as an NFC powerhouse.

• Missed Pass Interference Call: A no-call on a potential interference penalty late in the NFC Championship sparked league-wide rule change discussions.
• Increased Fan Engagement: The deep playoff run boosted merchandise sales and fan enthusiasm across Louisiana.
• Legacy of Drew Brees: Brees’ performance further cemented his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
• Coaching Recognition: Sean Payton’s strategic acumen was widely praised, though some questioned clock management in key moments.
• Foundation for Future Roster Moves: The season’s end prompted roster adjustments to strengthen secondary depth and special teams.
• Impact on NFL Rules: The controversial ending contributed to the adoption of expanded replay review for pass interference in 2019.

The 2018 New Orleans Saints season exemplified excellence tempered by heartbreak, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise and the NFL at large.