New Orleans Saints · Franchise era 3 of 7
The first playoff win and Katrina: the New Orleans Saints story
Franchise era
2000—2005
The first playoff win and Katrina
New Orleans Saints
The story in one sentence
New Orleans won its first playoff game before Hurricane Katrina forced the team across multiple home fields and placed its future in doubt.
A breakthrough gives way to displacement
Aaron Brooks, Joe Horn and Deuce McAllister gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for brees, payton and rebirth.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2000
What came before
Jim Mora's defense sent four linebackers to the Pro Bowl and ended the franchise's wait for winning seasons and playoff football.
2000-12-30
Wild Card: St. Louis Rams vs New Orleans Saints
2001-01-06
Divisional Round: New Orleans Saints vs Minnesota Vikings
After 2005
What came next
The blocked punt in the Superdome reopening began an emotional run that culminated in the franchise's first championship after the 2009 season.
The core