What Is 1970 New Orleans Saints football team

Overview

The 1970 New Orleans Saints represented the franchise's second season in the National Football League, following their 1967 expansion debut. Competing in the NFC West division, the team struggled both offensively and defensively, finishing with a 2–11–1 record and placing last in their division.

Under the leadership of head coach Tom Fears, the Saints failed to build on their inaugural season’s modest progress. Despite some early optimism, the team faltered due to inconsistent quarterback play, a weak offensive line, and a porous defense that allowed over 20 points per game.

• Record: The Saints finished the season with a 2–11–1 record, their second consecutive losing season since joining the league.
• Division standing: They placed last in the NFC West, behind the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons.
• Scoring: The offense managed only 142 total points, averaging 8.9 per game—the lowest in the NFL for 1970.
• Defensive performance: The defense allowed 321 points, ranking 24th out of 26 teams, or 20.1 points per game.
• Home venue: All home games were played at Tulane Stadium, a 80,000-seat facility that lacked modern NFL amenities.

Season Performance

The 1970 season was defined by offensive futility and defensive lapses, with the Saints failing to win consecutive games at any point. Quarterback play was inconsistent, with Billy Kilmer and Dick Wood splitting time, but neither could sustain drives or generate points.

• Quarterback struggles: Starting QB Billy Kilmer threw for just 1,185 yards and 6 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.
• Rushing attack:Tommy Mason led the team with 569 rushing yards, but no running back averaged more than 3.5 yards per carry.
• Passing game: The team’s top receiver, Ralph Anderson, caught 26 passes for 458 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Turnovers: The Saints committed 30 turnovers, including 18 interceptions and 12 lost fumbles, among the league’s worst.
• Coaching changes: After the season, head coach Tom Fears was fired, ending his two-year tenure with a 4–22–1 record.
• Special teams: Kicker Tom Dempsey made 11 of 22 field goals, including a long of 52 yards, but consistency was an issue.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1970 Saints ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every major statistical category compared to peers and eventual playoff teams.

The Saints’ performance contrasted sharply with division champion Los Angeles Rams, who had a top-10 offense and defense. While the Rams made the playoffs, New Orleans failed to win a single road game and managed only two home victories, highlighting the gap between competitive and struggling franchises.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season underscored the growing pains of an expansion team still developing its identity and talent base. It also set the stage for major changes in leadership and personnel that would follow in the early 1970s.

• Coaching overhaul: Firing Tom Fears led to the hiring of J.D. Roberts, who brought a more disciplined approach.
• Player development: The struggles emphasized the need for better drafting and scouting, which improved in later years.
• Fan engagement: Poor performance tested fan loyalty, but local support remained strong despite the record.
• Historical context: This season was part of a 11-year playoff drought that lasted until 1987.
• Legacy: The 1970 Saints exemplify the challenges faced by early expansion teams in a competitive league.
• Statistical benchmark: The 142 points scored remains one of the lowest totals in franchise history.

Ultimately, the 1970 season serves as a reminder of the Saints’ humble beginnings before evolving into a consistent NFL contender decades later.