2016 New Orleans Saints season
| 2016 New Orleans Saints season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Sean Payton |
| General manager | Mickey Loomis |
| Owner | Tom Benson |
| Home field | Mercedes-Benz Superdome |
| Results | |
| Record | 7–9 |
| Division place | 3rd NFC South |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | Drew Brees (QB) |
| Uniform | |
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The 2016 New Orleans Saints season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 41st to host games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and the 10th under head coach Sean Payton. The Saints matched their 7–9 record from 2015 and missed the playoffs for the third year in a row. They are also the first team in NFL history to go 7–9 three years in a row.
Notes
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
The Saints opened the season at home against the Oakland Raiders in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Despite 423 passing yards—including a franchise-record 98-yard touchdown pass to receiver Brandin Cooks—and four touchdowns from Drew Brees, the Raiders came from behind to win 35–34. The Raiders scored a touchdown with 47 seconds remaining in the game to bring them within one point. Instead of kicking an extra point, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio ordered a two-point conversion, which quarterback Derek Carr successfully converted with a pass to receiver Michael Crabtree. The Saints received the kickoff and Brees led the team down the field in two plays to give kicker Wil Lutz a chance at a game-winning 61-yard field goal, but the kick went wide left. The Saints defense was criticized for its performance, as it gave up 210 yards and 22 points in the fourth quarter.
For the first time in 11 years, Drew Brees returned to San Diego to face his former team, the Chargers, where he began his NFL career. In the game, the Saints got their first win of the season, rallying in the 4th quarter after trailing 34–21 to win 35–34, mostly due to two key fumbles by the Chargers.
As part of Color Rush, the Saints wore all-white uniforms for this game, inspired by the ones they wore in 1975. Due to this, it was the first time the Saints have worn white pants since 1985 and the second season they wore all-white uniforms in franchise history, the first being the 1975 season. The Saints went into the fourth quarter with a 20-point deficit to the Panthers. The Saints rallied and got within three with 5:11 left to go in the game, but the Panthers were able to hold them off.
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