2012 New Orleans Saints season

Personnel changes

After his contract expired, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was hired by the St. Louis Rams to the same position on January 16, 2012. Former Rams' head coach Steve Spagnuolo replaced Williams. Williams was later handed an indefinite suspension from the NFL for his role in the bounty scandal.

Roster changes

Signings

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

Draft

Main article: 2012 NFL draft

The Saints did not have a first- or second-round selection.

;NOTES : The team traded its 2012 first-round selection and a 2011 second-round selection to the New England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' 2011 first-round selection. : The team forfeited their second-round selections in 2012 and 2013 as part of the punishment for the team's bounty scandal. : The team swapped picks in the sixth round with the Miami Dolphins as part of the Reggie Bush trade.

Undrafted free agents

All undrafted free agents were signed just after the 2012 NFL draft concluded on April 28.

Staff

• Owner/president – Tom Benson

• Owner/executive vice president – Rita Benson LeBlanc

• Executive vice president/general manager – Mickey Loomis

• Director of football administration – Khai Harley

• Director of pro scouting – Ryan Pace

• Director of college scouting – Rick Reiprish

• Assistant director of college scouting – Brian Adams

• Head coach – Sean Payton†

• Interim head coach (games 7-16)/assistant head coach/linebackers – Joe Vitt

• Interim head coach (games 1-6)/offensive line/running game – Aaron Kromer

• Offensive coordinator – Pete Carmichael, Jr.

• Quarterbacks – Joe Lombardi

• Running backs – Bret Ingalls

• Wide receivers – Henry Ellard

• Tight ends – Terry Malone

• Offensive assistant – Carter Sheridan

• Offensive assistant – Frank Smith

† – suspended for the entire season

(see New Orleans Saints bounty scandal)

• Defensive coordinator – Steve Spagnuolo

• Defensive line – Bill Johnson

• Assistant defensive line – Travis Jones

• Secondary – Ken Flajole

• Assistant secondary – Andre Curtis

• Defensive assistant – Marcus Ungaro

• Defensive assistant – Brian Young

• Special teams coordinator – Greg McMahon

• Assistant special teams – Mike Mallory

• Head strength and conditioning – Dan Dalrymple

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Charles Byrd

• Weight room assistant – Robert Wenning

Final roster

Schedule

Preseason

Regular season

:Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins

First quarter

• WAS – Billy Cundiff 37-yard field goal, 7:05. ''Redskins 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 7:29.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49. ''Saints 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:16.'''''
• WAS – Pierre Garçon 88-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Billy Cundiff kick), 3:28. ''Redskins 10–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 88 yards, 0:21.''''' Second quarter
• WAS – Aldrick Robinson 5-yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Billy Cundiff kick), 11:33. ''Redskins 17–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:20.'''''
• WAS – Billy Cundiff 41-yard field goal, 6:08. ''Redskins 20–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:05.'''''
• NO – Courtney Roby 4-yard return of blocked punt (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:40. Redskins 20–14. Third quarter
• WAS – Alfred Morris 1-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 11:24. ''Redskins 27–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:36.'''''
• WAS – Billy Cundiff 37-yard field goal, 7:10. ''Redskins 30–14. '''Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 3:40.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 1:50. ''Redskins 30–17. '''Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 5:20.''''' Fourth quarter
• WAS – Billy Cundiff 45-yard field goal, 10:59. ''Redskins 33–17. '''Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 5:51.'''''
• NO – Lance Moore 33-yard pass from Drew Brees (Darren Sproles run), 6:19. ''Redskins 33–25. '''Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:04.'''''
• WAS – Alfred Morris 3-yard run (Billy Cundiff kick), 3:18. ''Redskins 40–25. '''Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:05.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:25. ''Redskins 40–32. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 0:53.''''' Top passers
• WAS – Robert Griffin III – 19/26, 320 yards, 2 TD
• NO – Drew Brees – 24/52, 339 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• WAS – Alfred Morris – 28 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TD
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 4 rushes, 17 yards Top receivers
• WAS – Pierre Garçon – 4 receptions, 109 yards, TD
• NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 120 yards, TD With the loss, the Saints started their season 0–1.

Week 2: at Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:39. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:21.'''''
• CAR – Charles Godfrey 9-yard interception return (Justin Medlock kick), 5:33. Tied 7–7.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 22-yard field goal, 1:26. ''Saints 10–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:07.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 53-yard field goal, 7:08. ''Saints 13–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:36.'''''
• CAR – Jonathan Stewart 17-yard pass from Cam Newton (Justin Medlock kick), 3:33. ''Panthers 14–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:35.'''''
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 2-yard run (Justin Medlock kick), 0:11. ''Panthers 21–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 2:20.''''' Third quarter
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams 3-yard run (Justin Medlock kick), 8:17. ''Panthers 28–13. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:04.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Mark Ingram 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 12:53. ''Panthers 28–20. '''Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 3:35.'''''
• CAR – Cam Newton 5-yard run (Justin Medlock kick), 9:55. ''Panthers 35–20. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58.'''''
• NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:55. ''Panthers 35–27. '''Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 2:54.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 31/49, 325 yards, TD, 2 INT
• CAR – Cam Newton – 14/20, 253 yards, TD Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 9 rushes, 110 yards
• CAR – Cam Newton – 13 rushes, 71 yards, TD Top receivers
• NO – Darren Sproles – 13 receptions, 128 yards
• CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 3 receptions, 104 yards With the loss, the Saints fell to 0–2.

Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

First quarter

• NO – Lance Moore 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 12:18. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:42.'''''
• KC – Ryan Succop 25-yard field goal, 4:51. ''Saints 7–3. '''Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 7:27.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 40-yard field goal, 14:55. ''Saints 10–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:56.'''''
• KC – Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal, 4:41. ''Saints 10–6. '''Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:34.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:10. ''Saints 17–6. '''Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:41.'''''
• NO – Jed Collins 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:36. ''Saints 24–6. '''Drive: 2 plays, 7 yards, 0:45.'''''
• KC – Jamaal Charles 91-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 5:18. ''Saints 24–13. '''Drive: 1 play, 91 yards, 0:18.''''' Fourth quarter
• KC – Ryan Succop 34-yard field goal, 13:40. ''Saints 24–16. '''Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:48.'''''
• KC – Ryan Succop 38-yard field goal, 9:11. ''Saints 24–19. '''Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 3:32.'''''
• KC – Drew Brees sacked in endzone by Justin Houston for safety, 5:40. Saints 24–21.
• KC – Ryan Succop 43-yard field goal, 0:03. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 13 plays, 37 yards, 5:30.''''' Overtime
• KC – Ryan Succop 31-yard field goal, 6:27. ''Chiefs 27–24. '''Drive: 12 plays, 40 yards, 5:19.''''' Top passers
• KC – Matt Cassel – 26/44, 248 yards, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 20/36, 240 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
• KC – Jamaal Charles – 33 rushes, 233 yards, TD
• NO – Darren Sproles – 7 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers
• KC – Dwayne Bowe – 7 receptions, 79 yards
• NO – Lance Moore – 4 receptions, 40 yards, TD With the close loss, the Saints fell to 0–3.

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

• GB – James Jones 12-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:02. ''Packers 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:04.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:33. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:29.''''' Second quarter
• GB – Greg Jennings 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 14:15. ''Packers 14–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:18.'''''
• GB – James Jones 14-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:50. ''Packers 21–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards, 6:08.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:27. ''Packers 21–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:23.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 20-yard field goal, 9:41. ''Packers 21–17. '''Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 5:19.'''''
• NO – Joseph Morgan 80-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49. ''Saints 24–21. '''Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards, 1:21.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 27-yard field goal, 13:04. ''Saints 27–21. '''Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:31.'''''
• GB – Jordy Nelson 11-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 7:00. ''Packers 28–27. '''Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:25.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 35/54, 446 yards, 3 TD
• GB – Aaron Rodgers – 31/41, 319 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers
• NO – Darren Sproles – 5 rushes, 20 yards
• GB – Cedric Benson – 18 carries, 84 yards Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 153 yards, TD
• GB – Jordy Nelson – 8 receptions, 93 yards, TD With the loss, the Saints faced their first 0–4 start since 2007.

Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers

First quarter

• SD – Robert Meachem 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 6:56. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:26.'''''
• NO – Devery Henderson 40-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:58. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:58.''''' Second quarter
• SD – Nick Novak 20-yard field goal, 9:58. ''Chargers 10–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:08.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:19. ''Saints 14-10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:39.'''''
• SD – Robert Meachem 44-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 0:36. ''Chargers 17–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 1:12.''''' Third quarter
• SD – Ryan Mathews 13-yard run (Nick Novak kick), 12:27. ''Chargers 24–14. '''Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:19.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:11. ''Chargers 24–21. '''Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:28.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Marques Colston 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:50. ''Saints 28–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 5:49.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 26-yard field goal, 2:56. ''Saints 31–24. '''Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:49.''''' Top passers
• SD – Philip Rivers – 27/42, 354 yards, 2 TD, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 370 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers
• SD – Ryan Mathews – 12 rushes, 80 yards, TD
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 9 carries, 30 yards Top receivers
• SD – Malcolm Floyd – 5 receptions, 108 yards
• NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 131 yards, 3 TD Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas' record of consecutive games with a touchdown in the first quarter. The record touchdown was witnessed by Unitas' son Joe. Head coach Sean Payton, interim head coach Joe Vitt and general managerMickey Loomis were granted permission to attend the game, despite their suspensions. Brees specifically requested for the three to be in attendance at the Superdome. With the surprising win, the Saints go into their bye week at 1–4.

Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter

• TB – Tiquan Underwood 13-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 12:22. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 13 yards, 0:05.'''''
• TB – Doug Martin 36-yard run (Connor Barth kick), 5:55. ''Buccaneers 14–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:58.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 17-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:46. ''Buccaneers 14–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:09.''''' Second quarter
• TB – Vincent Jackson 17-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 13:18. ''Buccaneers 21–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:28.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:24. ''Buccaneers 21–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:54.'''''
• NO – Joe Morgan 48-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:35. ''Tied 21–21. '''Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 2:45.'''''
• NO – David Thomas 20-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:15. ''Saints 28–21. '''Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 1:38.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• NO – Pierre Thomas 5-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:23. ''Saints 35–21. '''Drive: 12 plays, 95 yards, 5:01.'''''
• TB – Dallas Clark 3-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 4:10. ''Saints 35–28. '''Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 6:18.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 27/37, 377 yards, 4 TD, INT
• TB – Josh Freeman – 24/42, 420 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 13 rushes, 32 yards, TD
• TB – Doug Martin – 16 rushes, 85 yards, TD Top receivers
• NO – Lance Moore – 9 receptions, 121 yards
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 7 receptions, 216 yards, TD With the win, the Saints improved to 2–4. Also, QB Drew Brees increased his number of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 49.

Week 8: at Denver Broncos

First quarter

• DEN – Willis McGahee 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 4:39. ''Broncos 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 98 yards, 4:39.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Darren Sproles 29-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 14:53. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:53.'''''
• DEN – Eric Decker 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 6:43. ''Broncos 14–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:17.'''''
• DEN – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Broncos 17–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 4:24.''''' Third quarter
• DEN – Demaryius Thomas 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 9:30. ''Broncos 24–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 5:30.''''' Fourth quarter
• DEN – Eric Decker 2-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 14:54. ''Broncos 31–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 51 yards, 1:57.'''''
• DEN – Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 5:27. ''Broncos 34–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 3:29.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 18-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:03. ''Broncos 34–14. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:24.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 22/42, 213 yards, 2 TD, INT
• DEN – Peyton Manning – 22/30, 305 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 8 rushes, 43 yards
• DEN – Willis McGahee – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top receivers
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 5 receptions, 73 yards, TD
• DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 137 yards, TD With the loss, the Saints fell to 2–5. However, despite the loss, QB Drew Brees increased his record of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 50.

Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

• NO – Patrick Robinson 99-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:36. Saints 7–0. Second quarter
• PHI – Alex Henery 22-yard field goal, 12:03. ''Saints 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:33.'''''
• NO – Chris Ivory 22-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:33. ''Saints 14–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:30.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:13. ''Saints 21–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:46.''''' Third quarter
• PHI – DeSean Jackson 77-yard pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), 8:42. ''Saints 21–10. '''Drive: 2 plays, 83 yards, 0:49.'''''
• PHI – Alex Henery 37-yard field goal, 7:00. ''Saints 21–13. '''Drive: 5 plays, 3 yards, 1:34.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:20. ''Saints 28–13. '''Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:40.''''' Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays. Top passers
• PHI – Michael Vick – 22/41, 272 yards, TD, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 21/27, 239 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• PHI – LeSean McCoy – 19 rushes, 119 yards
• NO – Chris Ivory – 10 rushes, 48 yards, TD Top receivers
• PHI – DeSean Jackson – 3 receptions, 100 yards, TD
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 8 receptions, 72 yards, TD With the win, the Saints improved to 3–5. Also, QB Drew Brees increased his streak of games with at least one passing touchdown to 51.

Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• ATL – Mike Johnson 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 11:38. ''Falcons 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:22.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 37-yard field goal, 9:19. ''Falcons 10–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:07.'''''
• NO – Chris Ivory 56-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 6:49. ''Falcons 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:30.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Jimmy Graham 29-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 13:33. ''Saints 14–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:23.'''''
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:27. ''Falcons 17–14. '''Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:06.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:34. ''Saints 21–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 1:43.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Marques Colston 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:23. ''Saints 28–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 3:31.''''' Fourth quarter
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:27. ''Saints 28–24. '''Drive: 12 plays, 91 yards, 5:46.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 20-yard field goal, 9:08. ''Saints 28–27. '''Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:42.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 5:54. ''Saints 31–27. '''Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:14.''''' Top passers
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 34/52, 411 yards, 3 TD, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 21/32, 298 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
• ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 3 rushes, 29 yards
• NO – Chris Ivory – 7 rushes, 72 yards, TD Top receivers
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 11 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 7 receptions, 146 yards, 2 TD After their huge win over the Eagles, the Saints stayed home for a game against their heated rival Falcons. Sitting at 3–5, the Falcons came into this game at 8–0. The Saints surprisingly won their 4th-straight game against the Falcons and improved their record to 4–5 while the Falcons dropped to 8–1. Drew Brees brought his total of games with a passing touchdown to 52.

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

First quarter

• NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:53. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:02.'''''
• NO – Malcolm Jenkins 55-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:06. Saints 14–0. Second quarter
• OAK – Brandon Myers 1-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:10. ''Saints 14–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 2:17.'''''
• NO – Lance Moore 38-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:48. ''Saints 21–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 3:22.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Mark Ingram 27-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 14:43. ''Saints 28–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:17.'''''
• OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 40-yard field goal, 10:22. ''Saints 28–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:21.'''''
• NO – Lance Moore 15-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:26. ''Saints 35–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:46.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 47-yard field goal, 10:28. ''Saints 38–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 4:26.'''''
• OAK – Juron Criner 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 4:00. ''Saints 38–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 93 yards, 2:03.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 20/27, 219 yards, 3 TD
• OAK – Carson Palmer – 22/40, 312 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• NO – Mark Ingram – 12 rushes, 67 yards, TD
• OAK – Marcel Reece – 19 rushes, 103 yards Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 4 receptions, 69 yards
• OAK – Marcel Reece – 4 receptions, 90 yards After 2 straight dominant home wins, the Saints traveled to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The Saints again dominated this game after the Raiders took the first points of the game. The Saints would win and improve to 5–5 on the season keeping their playoff hopes alive. Also Drew Brees brought his streak of at least 1 passing touchdown in a single game to 53.

Week 12: vs. San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

• SF – Colin Kaepernick 7-yard run (David Akers kick), 7:21. ''49ers 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 2:06.'''''
• NO – David Thomas 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:45. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:36.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Marques Colston 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:53. ''Saints 14–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:48.'''''
• SF – Ahmad Brooks 50-yard interception return (David Akers kick), 0:22. Tied 14–14. Third quarter
• SF – Frank Gore 6-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers kick), 12:17. ''49ers 21–14. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:43.'''''
• SF – Donte Whitner 42-yard interception return (David Akers kick), 11:30. 49ers 28–14.
• NO – Jed Collins 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:19. ''49ers 28–21. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:11.''''' Fourth quarter
• SF – David Akers 27-yard field goal, 7:50. ''49ers 31–21. '''Drive: 16 plays, 84 yards, 9:28.''''' Top passers
• SF – Colin Kaepernick: 16/25, 231 yards, TD, INT
• NO – Drew Brees: 26/41, 267 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• SF – Frank Gore: 19 rushes, 83 yards
• NO – Chris Ivory: 8 rushes, 34 yards Top receivers
• SF – Delanie Walker: 3 receptions, 81 yards
• NO – Darren Sproles: 7 receptions, 65 yards

The loss dropped the team to 5–6, but Brees's record of games with at least 1 passing touchdown stood at 54. This loss was brought up by the ejection of nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley.

Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• ATL – Michael Turner 3-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 11:09. ''Falcons 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:51.''''' Second quarter
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez 17-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:08. ''Falcons 14–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:28.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 45-yard field goal, 8:53. ''Falcons 17–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:51.'''''
• NO – Mark Ingram 1-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:17. ''Falcons 17–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:36.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 21-yard field goal, 8:24. ''Falcons 17–10. '''Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 6:36.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 52-yard field goal, 3:53. ''Falcons 17–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 2:49.''''' Fourth quarter
• ATL – Matt Bryant 29-yard field goal, 14:48. ''Falcons 20–13. '''Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 2:50.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 55-yard field goal, 4:25. ''Falcons 23–13. '''Drive: 11 plays, 43 yards, 5:38.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 28/50, 341 yards, 5 INT
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 18/33, 165 yards, TD Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 14 rushes, 84 yards
• ATL – Michael Turner – 12 rushes, 83 yards, TD Top receivers
• NO – Lance Moore – 7 receptions, 123 yards
• ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 4 receptions, 58 yards, TD After the tough home loss to the Niners, the Saints traveled to take on the Falcons in a TNF matchup. The Saints' 4-game winning streak against the Falcons would be snapped as the team dropped to 5–7. Also, QB Drew Brees's streak of consecutive games with at least 1 passing touchdown would come to an end as he threw a career-high 5 interceptions in one game on the night. Regardless, his total passing touchdowns at this point was 31 bringing him his 5th straight season with 30+ passing touchdowns.

Week 14: at New York Giants

First quarter

• NO – Elbert Mack 73-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:38. Saints 7–0.
• NYG – David Wilson 97-yard kickoff return (Lawrence Tynes kick), 9:25. Tied 7–7.
• NYG – Martellus Bennett 6-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 4:19. ''Giants 14–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 2:24.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 32-yard field goal, 9:46. ''Giants 14–10. '''Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 5:44.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 25-yard field goal, 1:57. ''Giants 14–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 4:06.'''''
• NYG – Domenik Hixon 5-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 0:20. ''Giants 21–13. '''Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 1:37.''''' Third quarter
• NYG – David Wilson 6-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 13:04. ''Giants 28–13. '''Drive: 4 plays, 20 yards, 1:40.'''''
• NYG – Hakeem Nicks 25-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 8:13. ''Giants 35–13. '''Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 3:09.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 13-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 7:21. ''Giants 35–20. '''Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:52.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:51. ''Giants 35–27. '''Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:09.''''' Fourth quarter
• NYG – Victor Cruz 10-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), 14:20. ''Giants 42–27. '''Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:31.'''''
• NYG – Lawrence Tynes 39-yard field goal, 10:19. ''Giants 45–27. '''Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:31.'''''
• NYG – David Wilson 52-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 5:10. ''Giants 52–27. '''Drive: 1 play, 52 yards, 0:10.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 26/43, 354 yards, TD, 2 INT
• NYG – Eli Manning – 22/35, 259 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• NO – Mark Ingram – 13 rushes, 68 yards
• NYG – David Wilson – 13 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• NO – Joe Morgan – 2 receptions, 106 yards
• NYG – Victor Cruz – 8 receptions, 121 yards, TD

Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter

• NO – David Thomas 9-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 11:12. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:48.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 25-yard field goal, 13:23. ''Saints 10–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:23.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:57. ''Saints 17–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:26.'''''
• NO – Lance Moore 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:09. ''Saints 24–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 0:55.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Joe Morgan 34-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:05. ''Saints 31–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 4:24.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 36-yard field goal, 8:09. ''Saints 34–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 2:46.'''''
• NO – Mark Ingram 11-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:54. ''Saints 41–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 1:32.''''' Top passers
• TB – Josh Freeman – 26/47, 279 yards, 4 INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 26/39, 307 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
• TB – LeGarrette Blount – 4 rushes, 25 yards
• NO – Mark Ingram – 14 rushes, 90 yards, TD Top receivers
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 6 receptions, 81 yards
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 5 receptions, 69 yards

Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

• NO – Mark Ingram 9-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 10:25. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:35.''''' Second quarter
• DAL – Dez Bryant 58-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 12:47. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:28.'''''
• DAL – Dez Bryant 58-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 5:43. ''Cowboys 14–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:23.'''''
• NO – Lance Moore 6-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 1:11. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 4:32.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 37-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Saints 17–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 0:47.''''' Third quarter
• DAL – Dan Bailey 47-yard field goal, 10:26. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:34.'''''
• NO – Pierre Thomas 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:03. ''Saints 24–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 0:14.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – David Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 11:10. ''Saints 31–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 98 yards, 4:53.'''''
• DAL – Dwayne Harris 16-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 3:35. ''Saints 31–24. '''Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:10.'''''
• DAL – Miles Austin 19-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick), 0:15. ''Tied 31–31. '''Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 1:14.''''' Overtime
• NO – Garrett Hartley 20-yard field goal, 10:33. ''Saints 34–31. '''Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:00.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 37/53, 446 yards, 3 TD
• DAL – Tony Romo – 26/43, 416 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
• NO – Mark Ingram II – 21 rushes, 53 yards, TD
• DAL – DeMarco Murray – 11 rushes, 40 yards Top receivers
• NO – Marques Colston – 11 receptions, 153 yards
• DAL – Dez Bryant – 9 receptions, 224 yards, 2 TD With the win, the Saints improved to 7–8. However, the Saints were eliminated from postseason contention, thus rendering them unable to play Super Bowl XLVII on their own home turf.

Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• CAR – Graham Gano 20-yard field goal, 5:41. ''Panthers 7–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 7:06.''''' Second quarter
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:18. ''Panthers 10–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:12.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:14. ''Panthers 10–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:04.'''''
• NO – Jonathan Vilma 18-yard interception return (Garrett Hartley kick), 4:31. Saints 14–10.
• CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 0:39. ''Saints 14–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:52.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 53-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Saints 17–13. '''Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 0:39.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Jimmy Graham 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 10:45. ''Saints 24–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:15.'''''
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams 54-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:48. ''Saints 24–20. '''Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:57.'''''
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 2:29. ''Panthers 27–24. '''Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 1:18.''''' Fourth quarter
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 10:16. ''Panthers 34–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.'''''
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams 12-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:23. ''Panthers 41–24. '''Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:06.'''''
• NO – Marques Colston 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 5:10. ''Panthers 41–31. '''Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:13.'''''
• CAR – Graham Gano 42-yard field goal, 4:08. ''Panthers 44–31. '''Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:02.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 33-yard pass from Drew Brees, 2:52. ''Panthers 44–38. '''Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:16.''''' Top passers
• CAR – Cam Newton – 16/33, 248 yards, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 29/43, 396 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 21 rushes, 210 yards, 2 TD
• NO – Mark Ingram – 10 carries, 39 yards Top receivers
• CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 3 receptions, 73 yards
• NO – Lance Moore – 4 receptions, 121 yards With the loss, the Saints finished with their first losing season since 2007 at 7–9. Also, the team was swept by the Panthers for the first time since 2008.

Standings

References

References

1. "Joe Vitt took over as Saints coach on Monday". NFL.com.
2. "Aaron Kromer will take over head coaching duties for New Orleans Saints during Joe Vitt's suspension".
3. "NFL Transactions Report – New Orleans Saints". 2012 NFL Enterprises LLC..
4. "New Orleans Saints – Transactions". Neworleanssaints.com.
5. (April 30, 2012). "Saints Announce 2012 Rookie Free Agent Class". NewOrleansSaints.com.
6. Copeland, Kareem. (October 3, 2012). "Sean Payton, Joe Vitt Allowed To Attend Saints Game".