2003 New Orleans Saints season | |
---|---|
Head coach | Jim Haslett |
General manager | Mickey Loomis |
Owner | Tom Benson |
Home field | Louisiana Superdome |
Results | |
Record | 8–8 |
Division place | 2nd NFC South |
Playoff finish | did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers |
LeCharles Bentley (G) Deuce McAllister (RB) |
AP All-Pros | Deuce McAllister (1st team) |
The 2003 New Orleans Saints season was the team's 37th as a member of the National Football League (NFL). They attained a record of 8–8. This was the season of the River City Relay, a play that has gone down in NFL lore from a week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Saints were 7-7 and needed a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Jaguars held a 20–13 lead with seven seconds left in regulation, and the Saints had possession on their own 25. In a scene evoking memories of The Play, Aaron Brooks passed to Donté Stallworth for 42 yards, Stallworth lateraled to Michael Lewis for 7 yards, Lewis lateraled to Deuce McAllister for 5 yards, and McAllister lateraled to Jerome Pathon for 21 yards and a touchdown. The score was 20–19, leaving only the extra point to force overtime. However, in an unlikely twist, John Carney, who in his career made 98.4% of extra points attempted and had not missed one in a full decade, inexplicably missed the kick wide right, causing the Saints to miss the playoffs.