2010 New Orleans Saints season

Offseason

2010 NFL draft

Main article: 2010 NFL draft

As the winners of Super Bowl XLIV, the Saints acquired the 32nd pick in the first round and drafted in this order.

Roster signings

:All signings were to active roster, except where otherwise noted.

Roster releases

Schedule

Preseason

Regular season

Standings

Preseason results

Preseason Week 1: at New England Patriots

Preseason Week 2: vs Houston Texans

Preseason Week 3: vs San Diego Chargers

Preseason Week 4: at Tennessee Titans

Regular season results

Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings

NFL Kickoff game First quarter

• NO – Devery Henderson 29-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 12:56. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 2:04.''''' Second quarter
• MIN – Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal, 5:28. ''Saints 7–3. '''Drive: 16 plays, 66 yards, 9:25.'''''
• MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe 20-yard pass from Brett Favre (kick blocked), 0:34. ''Vikings 9–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 0:45.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Pierre Thomas 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:13. ''Saints 14–9. '''Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:43.''''' Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays Passing
• MIN – Brett Favre – 15/27, 171 yards, TD
• NO – Drew Brees – 27/36, 237 yards, TD Rushing
• MIN – Adrian Peterson – 19 rushes, 87 yards
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 19 rushes, 71 yards, TD Receiving
• MIN – Visanthe Shiancoe – 4 rec, 76 yards
• NO – Marques Colston – 5 rec, 62 yards

With their Super Bowl title to defend, the Saints began their season at home in the annual Kickoff Game against the Minnesota Vikings, in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game. New Orleans would strike first in the opening quarter with quarterback Drew Brees hooking up with wide receiver Devery Henderson on a 29-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings would take the lead in the second quarter as kicker Ryan Longwell made a 41-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Brett Favre's 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (with a blocked PAT).

In the third quarter, the Saints would regain the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Pierre Thomas. From there, New Orleans' defense would prevent any further progress from Minnesota.

With the win, New Orleans began their season at 1–0.

Week 2: at San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

• NO – David Baas fumble out of bounds in end zone for a safety, Saints 2–0.
• NO – Reggie Bush 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 9–0, Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:55. Second quarter
• SF – Frank Gore 12-yard pass from Alex Smith (Joe Nedney kick), Saints 9–7, Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 5:43. Third quarter
• SF – Anthony Dixon 2-yard run (Joe Nedney kick), 49ers 14–9, Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 3:36.
• NO – David Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 16–14, Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:08. Fourth quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 46-yard field goal, Saints 19–14, Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:29.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 19-yard field goal, Saints 22–14, Drive: 6 plays, 13 yards, 3:15.
• SF – Frank Gore 7-yard run (Alex Smith – Vernon Davis pass), Tied 22–22, Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 0:53.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 37-yard field goal, Saints 25–22, Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 1:19. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 28/38, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns
• SF – Alex Smith – 23/32, 275 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 18 rushes, 46 yards
• SF – Frank Gore – 20 rushes, 112 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 5 receptions, 67 yards
• SF – Vernon Davis – 4 receptions, 78 yards Top tacklers
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 7 tackles, 3 assists, 1 forced fumble
• SF – Patrick Willis – 8 tackles, 1 assist, 1.0 sack

Coming off their home win over the Vikings, the Saints flew to Candlestick Park for a Week 2 Monday Night duel with the San Francisco 49ers. New Orleans would deliver the opening punch in the first quarter as 49ers center David Baas' high snap deep within San Francisco territory went out of the back of the endzone for a safety. The Saints would add onto their lead as quarterback Drew Brees hooked up with running back Reggie Bush on a 6-yard touchdown pass. The 49ers would answer in the second quarter as quarterback Alex Smith found running back Frank Gore on a 12-yard touchdown pass.

San Francisco would take the lead with running back Anthony Dixon's 2-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans would respond with Brees' 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Thomas. The Saints would add onto their lead in the fourth quarter as kicker Garrett Hartley made a 46-yard and a 19-yard field goal. The 49ers would strike back as Gore got a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by Smith's 2-point conversion pass to tight end Vernon Davis. In the end, New Orleans got the last laugh as Hartley booted the game-ending 37-yard field goal.

With the win, the Saints improved to 2–0.

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• NO – Jeremy Shockey 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 1:22.
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez 13-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:49.
• NO – Lance Moore 80-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–7, Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 2:01. Second quarter
• ATL – Michael Turner 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), Tied 14–14, Drive: 19 plays, 72 yards, 10:39. Third quarter
• ATL – Matt Bryant 23-yard field goal, Falcons 17–14, Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:04.
• NO – Lance Moore 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 21–17, Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 2:28. Fourth quarter
• ATL – Roddy White 22-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), Falcons 24–21, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:44.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 32-yard field goal, Tied 24–24, Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 3:28. Overtime
• ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, Falcons 27–24, Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 7:02. Top passers
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/30, 228 yards, 2 touchdowns
• NO – Drew Brees – 30/38, 365 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Top rushers
• ATL – Michael Turner – 30 rushes, 114 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 9 rushes, 30 yards Top receivers
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 8 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 149 yards, 2 touchdowns Top tacklers
• ATL – Curtis Lofton – 6 tackles, 2 assists
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 8 tackles, 3 assists

Hoping to increase their winning streak the Saints played inside their dome for an NFC South rivalry match against the Falcons. The Saints took the early lead when QB Drew Brees made a 2-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. The Falcons replied with QB Matt Ryan making a 13-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. The Saints re-took the lead with Brees finding WR Lance Moore on an 80-yard TD pass. But the Falcons replied in the second quarter with RB Michael Turner making a 1-yard TD run. The Saints trailed for the first time in the game when kicker Matt Bryant made a 23-yard field goal. But they took the lead with Brees finding Moore again on a 16-yard TD pass. The Falcons would score when Ryan made a 22-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. The Saints would tie the game with kicker Garrett Hartley making a 32-yard field goal. At overtime, the decision was made when Matt Bryant hit a 46-yard field goal to give the Saints their first loss of the season, bringing their record down to 2–1.

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• No scoring plays Second quarter
• NO – Lance Moore 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Carney kick), Saints 7–0, Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:27.
• CAR – Jonathan Stewart 55-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen (John Kasay kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:40.
• NO – John Carney 32-yard field goal, Saints 10–7, Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 4:32. Third quarter
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams 39-yard run (John Kasay kick), Panthers 14–10, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:55.
• NO – John Carney 32-yard field goal, Panthers 14–13, Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:49. Fourth quarter
• NO – John Carney 25-yard field goal, Saints 16–14, Drive: 18 plays, 86 yards, 9:25. Top passers
• CAR – Jimmy Clausen – 11/21, 146 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Drew Brees – 33/48, 275 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 13 rushes, 86 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Chris Ivory – 12 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers
• CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 1 reception, 55 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Devery Henderson – 6 receptions, 59 yards Top tacklers
• CAR – James Anderson – 12 tackles, 2 assists, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble
• NO – Usama Young – 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1.0 sack The Saints fourth game was inside their dome for an NFC south rivalry match against the Panthers. In the 1st quarter New Orleans took the lead as QB Drew Brees completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore. Carolina replied with QB Jimmy Clausen making a 55-yard TD pass to RB Jonathan Stewart. The Saints took the lead when kicker John Carney nailed a 32-yard field goal, but fell behind when RB DeAngelo Williams made a 39-yard TD run. Then John Carney made two field goals to give the Saints the win. He made a 32-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter and a 25-yard field goal in the 4th.

With the win, the Saints improved to 3–1.

Week 5: at Arizona Cardinals

First quarter

• NO – John Carney 31-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:07.
• NO – Jeremy Shockey 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Carney kick), Saints 10–0, Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:32. Second quarter
• ARI – Jay Feely 37-yard field goal, Saints 10–3, Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:15.
• ARI – Levi Brown 2-yard fumble recovery (Jay Feely kick), Tied 10–10, Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 1:02.
• NO – John Carney 32-yard field goal, Saints 13–10, Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:09. Third quarter
• ARI – Jay Feely 44-yard field goal, Tied 13–13, Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 4:17. Fourth quarter
• ARI – Jay Feely 29-yard field goal, Cardinals 16–13, Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:48.
• ARI – Kerry Rhodes 27-yard fumble return (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 23–13.
• NO – Robert Meachem 35-yard pass from Drew Brees (John Carney kick), Cardinals 23–20, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 1:36.
• ARI – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 28-yard interception return (Jay Feely kick), Cardinals 30–20. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 24/39, 279 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
• ARI – Max Hall – 17/27, 168 yards, 1 interception Top rushers
• NO – Ladell Betts – 10 rushes, 44 yards
• ARI – Beanie Wells – 20 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 7 receptions, 97 yards
• ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 receptions, 93 yards Top tacklers
• NO – Patrick Robinson – 8 tackles
• ARI – Kerry Rhodes, Daryl Washington – 6 tackles Coming off their close win over the Panthers the Saints flew to University of Phoenix Stadium for an NFC duel with the Cardinals. In the first quarter the Saints took the early lead as kicker John Carney nailed a 31-yard field goal, followed by QB Drew Brees completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. The Cardinals replied with kicker Jay Feely making a 37-yard field goal, followed by OT Levi Brown recovering a fumble and returning it 2 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter the Saints fell behind when Feely got a 44-yard field goal, followed the 4th quarter by Feely's 29-yard field goal. Then FS Kerry Rhodes recovered a fumble and ran 27 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. Then the Saints replied with Brees making a 35-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem, but had more problems when Brees' pass was intercepted by CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and returned 28 yards to the end zone for a touchdown.

With the loss, the Saints fell to 3–2.

Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter

• NO – Lance Moore 41-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, Drive: 7 plays, 94 yards, 4:36. Second quarter
• NO – Robert Meachem 42-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:39.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 27-yard field goal, Saints 17–0, Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 4:31. Third quarter
• NO – Heath Evans 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 24–0, Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:17. Fourth quarter
• TB – Micheal Spurlock 2-yard pass from Josh Freeman (pass failed), Saints 24–6, Drive: 14 plays, 88 yards, 6:13.
• NO – Ladell Betts 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 31–6, Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:41. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 21/32, 263 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
• TB – Josh Freeman – 25/43, 219 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers
• NO – Chris Ivory – 15 rushes, 158 yards
• TB – Cadillac Williams – 10 rushes, 18 yards Top receivers
• NO – Robert Meachem – 4 receptions, 71 yards, 1 touchdown
• TB – Cadillac Williams – 7 receptions, 63 yards Top tacklers
• NO – Roman Harper – 7 tackles, 2 forced fumbles
• TB – Sean Jones – 8 tackles Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Cardinals the Saints flew to Raymond James Stadium for an NFC South rivalry match against the Buccaneers. In the first quarter New Orleans took the lead when QB Drew Brees completed a 41-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore. Followed in the second quarter by Brees making a 42-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem. This was followed by kicker Garrett Hartley nailing a 27-yard field goal. The Saints increased their lead when QB Drew Brees made a 4-yard TD pass to FB Heath Evans. Tampa Bay scored in the fourth quarter with QB Josh Freeman making a 2-yard TD pass to WR Micheal Spurlock (With a failed 2-point conversion), but the Saints pulled away as RB Ladell Betts got a 1-yard TD run.

With the win, the Saints improve to 4–2.

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns

First quarter

• CLE – (10:25) Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal, Browns 3–0, Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 2:43.
• CLE – (6:48) Peyton Hillis 4-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 10–0, Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:32. Second quarter
• NO – (5:32) Garrett Hartley 32-yard field goal, Browns 10–3, Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 4:21.
• CLE – (2:18) Phil Dawson 21-yard field goal, Browns 13–3, Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:14.
• CLE – (1:49) David Bowens 30-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 20–3. Third quarter

Fourth quarter

• NO – (13:29) David Thomas 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Browns 20–10, Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 8:33.
• CLE – (5:55) Phil Dawson 38-yard field goal, Browns 23–10, Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 7:34.
• CLE – (3:33) David Bowens 64-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 30–10.
• NO – (1:38) Marques Colston 8-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Browns 30–17, Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 1:55. Top passers
• CLE – Colt McCoy – 9/16, 74 yards
• NO – Drew Brees – 37/56, 356 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions Top rushers
• CLE – Peyton Hillis – 16 rushes, 69 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Chris Ivory – 15 rushes, 48 yards ;Top receveivers
• CLE – Brian Robiskie – 3 receptions, 25 yards
• NO – Marques Colston – 10 receptions, 112 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
• CLE – Scott Fujita – 10 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 1 interception
• NO – Malcolm Jenkins – 8 tackles, 1 assist With the loss, the Saints fell to 4–3.

Week 8: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

Second quarter

• PIT – Jeff Reed 19-yard field goal, Steelers 3–0, Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 6:11.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 1:03. Third quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 23-yard field goal, Saints 6–3, Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:36. Fourth quarter
• NO – Marques Colston 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 13–3, Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 6:13.
• PIT – Rashard Mendenhall 38-yard run (Jeff Reed kick), Saints 13–10, Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:07.
• NO – Lance Moore 8-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 20–10, Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:47. Top passers
• PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 17/28, 195 yards, 1 interception
• NO – Drew Brees – 34/44, 305 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception Top rushers
• PIT – Rashard Mendenhall – 15 rushes, 71 yards, 1 touchdowns
• NO – Julius Jones – 7 receptions, 16 yards Top receivers
• PIT – Mike Wallace – 3 receptions, 43 yards
• NO – Robert Meachem – 6 receptions, 76 yards Top tacklers
• PIT – Lawrence Timmons – 11 tackles, 1 assist
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 6 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Browns, the Saints stayed home for a Week 8 interconference duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. After a scoreless first quarter, New Orleans trailed in the second quarter as Steelers kicker Jeff Reed got a 19-yard field goal. The Saints would answer with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Garrett Hartley.

New Orleans took the lead in the third quarter as Hartley booted a 23-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints increased their lead as quarterback Drew Brees found wide receiver Marques Colston on a 16-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh responded with running back Rashard Mendenhall getting a 38-yard touchdown run, yet New Orleans came right back as Brees connected with wide receiver Lance Moore on an 8-yard touchdown pass.

With the win, the Saints improved to 5–3.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• CAR – John Kasay 20-yard field goal, Panthers 3–0, Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:55.
• NO – Jeremy Shockey 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–3, Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 3:03. Second quarter
• NO – Jimmy Graham 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–3, Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:14.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, Saints 17–3, Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 0:54. Third quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 36-yard field goal, Saints 20–3, Drive: 11 plays, 39 yards, 5:02.
• NO – Jabari Greer 24-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 27–3. Fourth quarter
• NO – Ladell Betts 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 34–3, Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:20. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 27/43, 253 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
• CAR – Jimmy Clausen – 8/18, 47 yards, 1 interception Top rushers
• NO – Julius Jones – 6 rushes, 68 yards
• CAR – Tyrell Sutton – 7 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers
• NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 77 yards
• CAR – David Gettis – 2 receptions, 22 yards Top tacklers
• NO – Roman Harper – 9 tackles, 1.0 sack
• CAR – James Anderson – 9 tackles

Coming off their win over the Steelers the Saints flew to Bank of America Stadium for an NFC South rivalry match against the Panthers. In the first quarter the Saints trailed early after kicker John Kasay made a 20-yard field goal. Then they made a large scoring run to dominate the game after QB Drew Brees completed a 7-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey. Followed by Brees finding TE Jimmy Graham on a 19-yard TD pass. The lead was extended by kicker Garrett Hartley as he nailed a 31 and a 36-yard field goal. The Saints increased their lead with CB Jabari Greer returning an interception 24 yards for a touchdown. This was followed by RB Ladell Betts getting a 1-yard TD run.

With the win, the Saints headed into their bye week at 6–3 and swept the Panthers for the first time since 2001.

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: vs. Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

• SEA – Olindo Mare 20-yard field goal, Seahawks 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.
• NO – Chris Ivory 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–3, Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:37. Second quarter
• SEA – Olindo Mare 43-yard field goal, Saints 7–6, Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 1:35.
• NO – Marques Colston 23-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–6, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:38.
• NO – Robert Meachem 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 21–6, Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:06.
• SEA – Ben Obomanu 2-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), Saints 21–13, Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 3:54.
• NO – Marques Colston 22-yard pass from Drew Brees (kick aborted), Saints 27–13, Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 0:54.
• SEA – Olindo Mare 43-yard field goal, Saints 27–16, Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:00. Third quarter
• NO – Robert Meachem 32-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 34–16, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:42. Fourth quarter
• SEA – Olindo Mare 20-yard field goal, Saints 34–19, Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 7:02. Top passers
• SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 32/44, 366 yards, 1 touchdown
• NO – Drew Brees – 29/43, 382 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Top rushers
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 7 rushes, 36 yards
• NO – Chris Ivory – 23 rushes, 99 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers
• SEA – Mike Williams – 6 receptions, 109 yards
• NO – Marques Colston – 8 receptions, 113 yards, 2 touchdowns Top tacklers
• SEA – David Hawthorne – 10 tackles, 2 assists, 1 interception
• NO – Scott Shanle – 9 tackles, 3 assists, 1 forced fumble Coming off their bye week the Saints played inside their dome for an NFC duel with the Seahawks. In the first quarter the Saints trailed early as kicker Olindo Mare hit a 20-yard field goal; but they pulled ahead after RB Chris Ivory got a 1-yard TD run. The lead narrowed in the 2nd quarter by Mare getting a 43-yard field goal. The Saints increased it when QB Drew Brees made a 23 and a 3-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston and WR Robert Meachem. The lead was narrowed again after QB Matt Hasselbeck got a 2-yard TD pass to WR Ben Obomanu; but the Saints replied with Brees throwing a 22-yard TD pass to Colston. The lead narrowed again with Mare hitting a 43-yard field goal. The lead extended in the third quarter with Brees finding Meachem again on a 32-yard TD pass. The Seahawks made the only score of the fourth quarter with Mare making a 20-yard field goal.

With the win, the Saints improved to 7–3.

Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys

Thanksgiving Day game First quarter

• NO – Chris Ivory 3-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, 'Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:51.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 50-yard field goal, Saints 10–0, 'Drive: 4 plays, −1 yards, 1:31.
• NO – Chris Ivory 6-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 17–0, 'Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:59. Second quarter
• DAL – David Buehler 21-yard field goal, Saints 17–3, 'Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 7:41.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 45-yard field goal, Saints 20–3, 'Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 4:30.
• DAL – David Buehler 53-yard field goal, Saints 20–6, 'Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 0:43. Third quarter
• DAL – Miles Austin 60-yard run (David Buehler kick), Saints 20–13, 'Drive: 2 plays, 68 yards, 0:59.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 28-yard field goal, Saints 23–13, 'Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:31.
• DAL – Marion Barber 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Saints 23–20, 'Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:55. Fourth quarter
• DAL – Tashard Choice 1-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 27–23, 'Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:08.
• NO – Lance Moore 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 30–27, 'Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 1:08. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 23/39, 352 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
• DAL – Jon Kitna – 30/42, 313 yards, 1 interception Top rushers
• NO – Julius Jones – 10 rushes, 45 yards
• DAL – Miles Austin – 1 rush, 60-yard, 1 touchdown Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 6 receptions, 105 yards
• DAL – Jason Witten – 10 receptions, 99 yards Top tacklers
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 8 tackles, 3 assists
• DAL – Terence Newman – 8 tackles

The Saints played the Thanksgiving Day game at Cowboys Stadium for an NFC duel against the Cowboys. The Saints commanded the first quarter with RB Chris Ivory getting a 3-yard TD run, followed by kicker Garrett Hartley getting a 50-yard field goal, and then by Ivory making a 6-yard TD run. The lead was narrowed as kicker David Buehler got a 21-yard field goal, but the Saints replied as Hartley nailed a 45-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed again as Buehler hit a 53-yard field goal, followed by Miles Austin getting a 60-yard TD run. The Saints scored with Hartley making a 28-yard field goal, but fell behind with Marion Barber and Tashard Choice getting a 1-yard TD run. The Saints, down 27–23, were well on their way to defeat when John Kitna hit Austin with a long-gainer, but safety Malcolm Jenkins stripped Roy Williams and recovered at the New Orleans 11, enabling the Saints to pull out the win five plays later, with QB Drew Brees completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore, completing an 89-yard drive.

With the win, the Saints improved to 8–3.

Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

• NO – Garrett Hartley 48-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:21. Second quarter
• CIN – Clint Stitser 29-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 7:08.
• NO – Chris Ivory 55-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 10–3, Drive: 3 plays, 68 yards, 1:01.
• CIN – Clint Stitser 23-yard field goal, Saints 10–6, Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 2:21.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 24-yard field goal, Saints 13–6, Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 3:15. Third quarter
• NO – Chris Ivory 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 20–6, Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:54.
• CIN – Terrell Owens 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (kick failed, wr), Saints 20–12, Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:12. Fourth quarter
• CIN – Cedric Benson 1-yard run (Clint Stitser kick), Saints 20–19, Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:36.
• NO – Robert Meachem 52-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 27–19, Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:25.
• CIN – Cedric Benson 4-yard run (Carson Palmer – Jermaine Gresham pass), Tied 27–27, Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:05.
• CIN – Clint Stitser 47-yard field goal, Bengals 30–27, Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 1:38.
• NO – Marques Colston 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garret Hartley kick), Saints 34–30, Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:54. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 24/29, 313 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
• CIN – Carson Palmer – 23/33, 249 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers
• NO – Chris Ivory – 15 rushes, 117 yards, 2 touchdowns
• CIN – Cedric Benson – 19 rushes, 49 yards, 2 touchdowns Top receivers
• NO – Robert Meachem – 3 receptions, 106 yards, 1 touchdown
• CIN – Chad Ochocinco – 5 receptions, 96 yards Top tacklers
• NO – Roman Harper – 5 tackles, 4 assists, 1 sack
• CIN – Johnathan Joseph – 6 tackles

Coming off their win over the Cowboys the Saints played an interconference duel with the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. In the first quarter, the Saints took the early lead as kicker Garrett Hartley nailed a 48-yard field goal. The Bengals replied with kicker Clint Stitser hitting a 29-yard field goal, but the Saints scored again with RB Chris Ivory getting a 55-yard TD run, with the Bengals responding as Stitser made a 23-yard field goal. The Saints increased their lead as Hartley made a 24-yard field goal, followed by Ivory getting a 1-yard TD run. The lead was broken down as QB Carson Palmer made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens (With a failed PAT as the kick went wide right), followed by RB Cedric Benson getting a 1-yard TD run. The Saints responded as QB Drew Brees completed a 52-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem, but fell behind with Benson getting a 4-yard TD run (With a successful 2-point conversion as Palmer passed to TE Jermaine Gresham), followed by Stitser making a 47-yard field goal. Still, they managed to score to take the win as Brees threw a 3-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston.

With the win, the Saints improved to 9–3.

Week 14: vs. St. Louis Rams

First quarter

• NO – Marques Colston 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 6:35.
• NO – Marques Colston 17-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 14–0, Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:26. Second quarter
• STL – Josh Brown 38-yard field goal, Saints 14–3, Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:04.
• STL – Josh Brown 45-yard field goal, Saints 14–6, Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 1:06.
• NO – Malcolm Jenkins 96-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 21–6. Third quarter
• NO – Lance Moore 31-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 28–6, Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:11. Fourth quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 40-yard field goal, Saints 31–6, Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 4:07.
• STL – Sam Bradford 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), Saints 31–13, Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:21. Top passers
• STL – Sam Bradford – 18/32, 231 yards, 2 interceptions
• NO – Drew Brees – 25/40, 221 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Top rushers
• STL – Steven Jackson – 16 rushes, 96 yards
• NO – Chris Ivory – 7 receptions, 47 yards Top receivers
• STL – Brandon Gibson – 4 receptions, 67 yards
• NO – Lance Moore – 5 receptions, 70 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
• STL – Craig Dahl – 9 tackles, 1 interception
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 7 tackles, 1 assist, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble With the win, the Saints improved to 10–3.

Week 15: at Baltimore Ravens

First quarter

• NO – Jimmy Graham 18-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 7–0, Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:08.
• BAL – Ed Dickson 34-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:20. Second quarter
• BAL – Ray Rice 10-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 14–7, Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 4:15.
• BAL – Ray Rice 17-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Billy Cundiff kick), Ravens 21–7, Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 3:05.
• NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Ravens 21–14, Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards, 2:52. Third quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 47-yard field goal, Ravens 21–17, Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 4:08.
• BAL – Billy Cundiff 33-yard field goal, Ravens 24–17, Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:09. Fourth quarter
• NO – Lance Moore 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Tied 24–24, Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:31.
• BAL – Billy Cundiff 32-yard field goal, Ravens 27–24, Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:31.
• BAL – Billy Cundiff 27-yard field goal, Ravens 30–24, Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:38. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 29/46, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
• BAL – Joe Flacco – 10/20, 172 yards, 2 touchdowns Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 6 rushes, 20 yards
• BAL – Ray Rice – 31 rushes, 153 yards Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 6 receptions, 80 yards
• BAL – Ray Rice – 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
• NO – Jonathan Vilma – 8 tackles, 3 assists
• BAL – Jarret Johnson – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble With the loss, the Saints fell to 10–4.

Week 16: at Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• NO – Garrett Hartley 52-yard field goal, Saints 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 4:19. Second quarter
• NO – Pierre Thomas 2-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 10–0, Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 2:20.
• ATL – Roddy White 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), Saints 10–7, Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:50. Third quarter
• No scoring plays Fourth quarter
• ATL – Chauncey Davis 26-yard interception return (Matt Bryant kick), Falcons 14–10.
• NO – Jimmy Graham 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), Saints 17–14, Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 7:11. Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 35/49, 302 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 15/29, 148 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 19 rushes, 63 yards, 1 touchdown
• ATL – Michael Turner – 17 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers
• NO – Robert Meachem – 10 receptions, 101 yards
• ATL – Roddy White – 3 receptions, 43 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
• NO – Jo-Lonn Dunbar – 5 tackles, 1 assist
• ATL – Curtis Lofton – 6 tackles, 5 assists

Looking to clinch a playoff berth and avenge their Week 3 loss against the Falcons, the Saints traveled to Atlanta for a Monday Night rematch. New Orleans would score first with Garrett Hartley kicking a FG from 52 yards late in the first quarter. RB Pierre Thomas would add to the Saints' lead with a 2-yard TD run; however, Atlanta would respond with a Matt Ryan 7-yard TD pass to Roddy White to cut the lead to three. After a scoreless third quarter, the Falcons took the lead with Chauncey Davis returning an interception 26 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans reclaimed the lead late in the 4th with a Drew Brees 6-yard TD pass to Jimmy Graham. Atlanta attempted to come back; however, New Orleans held on for the win.

With the win, the Saints improved to 11–4 and clinched a playoff berth, becoming the first team in the NFC South to earn consecutive playoff appearances.

Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers

• TB –
• NO – Top rushers
• TB –
• NO – Top receivers
• TB –
• NO – Top tacklers
• TB –
• NO – The Saints' sixteenth game was an NFC South rivalry rematch against the Buccaneers inside their dome. In the first quarter the Saints trailed early as kicker Connor Barth hit a 43-yard field goal, but took the lead with QB Drew Brees throwing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jimmy Graham. The Buccaneers replied with QB Josh Freeman completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Dezmon Briscoe, but the Saints tied the game with kicker Garrett Hartley nailing a 45-yard field goal. However, they fell behind again with Barth hitting a 32-yard field goal, followed by Freeman making an 18-yard TD pass to WR Mike Williams. The Saints tried to narrow the gap with Hartley making a 38-yard field goal, but the Buccaneers pulled away with Barth nailing a 48-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Saints finish their regular season on an 11–5 record.

Postseason results

NFC Wild Card playoffs: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

• NO – Garrett Hartley 26-yard field goal, 11:47. ''Saints 3–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:17.'''''
• NO – Heath Evans 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:25. ''Saints 10–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:11.'''''
• SEA – John Carlson 11-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 3:43.''Saints 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:43.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Julius Jones 5-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:42. ''Saints 17–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 5:00.'''''
• SEA – John Carlson 7-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 11:06. ''Saints 17–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 2:38.'''''
• SEA – Olindo Mare 29-yard field goal, 7:07. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:47.'''''
• SEA – Brandon Stokley 45-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 1:23. ''Seahawks 24–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 3:48.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 22-yard field goal, 0:03. ''Seahawks 24–20. '''Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 1:15.''''' Third quarter
• SEA – Mike Williams 38-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), 11:55.''Seahawks 31–20. '''Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:12.'''''
• SEA – Olindo Mare 39 field goal, 5:31. ''Seahawks 34–20. '''Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 4:12.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Julius Jones 4-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:16. ''Seahawks 34–27. '''Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 4:41.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 9:16. ''Seahawks 34–30. '''Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:27.'''''
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch 67-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 3:38. ''Seahawks 41–30. '''Drive: 2 plays, 67 yards, 0:58.'''''
• NO – Devery Henderson 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (run failed), 1:34. ''Seahawks 41–36. '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 1:52.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 39/60, 404 yards
• SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 22/35, 272 yards Top rushers
• NO – Julius Jones – 15 rushes, 59 yards
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 19 rushes, 131 yards Top receivers
• NO – Devery Henderson – 7 rec, 77 yards
• SEA – Brandon Stokley – 4 rec, 73 yards

Entering the postseason as the NFC's #5 seed, the Saints began their playoff run at Qwest Field for the NFC Wild Card Round against the #4 Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of their Week 11 duel. The Seahawks entered the playoffs as the only team to ever make the playoffs with a losing record, theirs being 7–9. New Orleans delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker Garrett Hartley, followed by quarterback Drew Brees finding fullback Heath Evans on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Seahawks would answer with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end John Carlson. The Saints struck back in the second quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Julius Jones, but Seattle took the lead with Hasselbeck's 7-yard touchdown pass to Carlson, kicker Olindo Mare making a 29-yard field goal, and Hasselbeck completing a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Stokley. New Orleans would close out the half with Hartley's 22-yard field goal.

The Seahawks continued to hack away in the third quarter as Hasselbeck threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Williams, followed by Mare's 39-yard field goal. The Saints tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Jones got a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by Hartley's 21-yard field goal, but Seattle delivered a punishing blow as running back Marshawn Lynch got a 67-yard touchdown run. New Orleans tried to catch up with Brees connecting with wide receiver Devery Henderson (with a failed two-point conversion), but a failed onside kick sealed any hope of a comeback.

With the loss, the Saints, with an overall record of 11–6, were dethroned as Super Bowl champions. This was the sixth consecutive year the defending world champions failed to repeat their title.

Personnel

Coaching staff

Final roster

References

References

1. ESPN.com staff. (2010-02-08). "2010 NFL draft order". ESPN Internet Ventures.
2. "NFL Transactions Report – New Orleans Saints". 2010 NFL Enterprises LLC..
3. "New Orleans Saints – Transactions". Neworleanssaints.com.
4. King, Kevin. (2010-02-19). "Former OSU Receiver D'Juan Woods Cut By Saints". [[American Broadcasting Company]]}} {{Dead link.
5. Staton, Ed. (2010-03-05). "New Orleans Saints; Charles Grant, Jake Delhomme, Mark Simoneau". [[Louisiana Daily News]].