2009 New Orleans Saints: The Greatest Season Ever Played

The 2009 New Orleans Saints season was one for the ages. The team, led by quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton, went 13-3 in the regular season and won their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

The Saints' success was due in large part to their high-powered offense, which led the NFL in scoring. Brees threw for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns, and running back Darren Sproles rushed for 1,281 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Saints also had a strong defense, led by cornerback Tracy Porter and linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

The Saints' road to the Super Bowl was not easy. They had to win a wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles and a divisional round game against the Minnesota Vikings. In the NFC Championship Game, the Saints defeated the Vikings in overtime.

In the Super Bowl, the Saints faced the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, the Saints' defense was able to contain Manning and the Colts' offense. The Saints won the game 31-17, and Brees was named the game's MVP.

The 2009 New Orleans Saints season was one of the most memorable in NFL history. The team's success was due to a combination of great coaching, great players, and a lot of hard work.

The Saints' Offense

The Saints' offense was one of the most prolific in NFL history. The team led the league in scoring, averaging 31.9 points per game. Brees was the driving force behind the offense, throwing for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also had a passer rating of 109.6, which was the highest in the NFL.

Sproles was the Saints' leading rusher, gaining 1,281 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. He was also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, catching 71 passes for 878 yards and five touchdowns.

The Saints' receiving corps was led by Marques Colston, who caught 70 passes for 1,076 yards and nine touchdowns. Devery Henderson was also a key contributor, catching 58 passes for 849 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Saints' offensive line was one of the best in the NFL. The line was led by left tackle Jermon Bushrod, who was named to the Pro Bowl. The line also included Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, and Nick Leckey.

The Saints' Defense

The Saints' defense was also one of the best in the NFL. The team allowed just 17.9 points per game, which was the second-lowest in the league. The defense was led by Porter, who intercepted seven passes and returned two of them for touchdowns. Vilma was also a key contributor, leading the team in tackles.

The Saints' defense also had a strong pass rush. The team sacked opposing quarterbacks 41 times, which was the eighth-highest total in the NFL. The pass rush was led by defensive end Will Smith, who had 13 sacks.

The Saints' Road to the Super Bowl

The Saints' road to the Super Bowl was not easy. The team had to win a wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles and a divisional round game against the Minnesota Vikings. In the NFC Championship Game, the Saints defeated the Vikings in overtime.

The Saints' wild-card game against the Eagles was a close one. The Saints trailed 24-23 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. However, Brees led the Saints on a 76-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Colston. The Saints won the game 28-24.

The Saints' divisional round game against the Vikings was also a close one. The Saints trailed 14-10 at halftime, but they came back to win the game 31-28. Brees threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns in the game.

The Saints' NFC Championship Game against the Vikings was a classic. The game was tied 28-28 at the end of regulation, and it went into overtime. In overtime, the Saints won the game on a 40-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley.

The Super Bowl

In the Super Bowl, the Saints faced the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, the Saints' defense was able to contain Manning and the Colts' offense. The Saints won the game 31-17, and Brees was named the game's MVP.

Brees threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns in the Super Bowl. He also had a passer rating of 109.0. Sproles rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown.

The Saints' defense held the Colts to just 17 points. The defense was led by Porter, who intercepted two passes and returned one of them for a touchdown. Vilma also had a strong game, leading the team in tackles.

The Saints' victory in the Super Bowl was a special moment for the city of New Orleans. The city had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina just four years earlier, and the Saints' victory gave the city something to celebrate.

Conclusion

The 2009 New Orleans Saints season was one for the ages. The team, led by Brees and Payton, went 13-3 in the regular season and won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The Saints' success was due to a combination of great coaching, great players, and a lot of hard work.

Tables

Table 1: Saints' Regular Season Stats

Table 2: Saints' Playoff Stats

Table 3: Saints' Super Bowl Stats

Table 4: Saints' Individual Stats