What Is 1978 New Orleans Saints football team

Overview

The 1978 New Orleans Saints season marked the franchise's 12th year in the National Football League (NFL). Under the leadership of head coach Hank Stram, the team showed modest improvement from their previous season, finishing with a 7-9 record compared to 4-12 in 1977.

Despite the improvement, the Saints missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. Their performance was hindered by inconsistent offense and a defense that ranked among the worst in the league. Nevertheless, the season was notable for quarterback Archie Manning's resilience, as he played through multiple injuries to start 14 games.

• Record: The 1978 Saints finished with a 7-9 win-loss record, placing them 3rd in the NFC West Division.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at the Louisiana Superdome, a climate-controlled venue in downtown New Orleans.
• Head Coach:Hank Stram was in his third season as head coach, attempting to implement his innovative offensive strategies.
• Quarterback:Archie Manning started 14 of 16 games, throwing for 2,749 yards and 17 touchdowns despite a lack of offensive support.
• Scoring: The team scored 261 points (16.3 per game) and allowed 319 points (19.9 per game), ranking near the bottom in both categories.

Performance & Strategy

Coach Hank Stram continued to refine his aggressive, pass-oriented offensive system, known for its use of motion and complex formations. While innovative, the system struggled due to limited personnel and frequent injuries to key players like Manning.

• Offensive Scheme: Stram employed a modified AFL-style passing attack, emphasizing quick throws and receiver motion to confuse defenses.
• Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 319 points, ranking 27th out of 28 teams, with poor run defense being a major weakness.
• Key Players: Besides Manning, running back Tony Galbreath contributed 747 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Injuries: The team lost several starters, including tight end Henry Childs, who missed most of the season due to injury.
• Turnovers: The Saints committed 31 turnovers (18 interceptions, 13 fumbles lost), undermining offensive consistency.
• Notable Game: A 38-34 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 showcased the team's explosive but unreliable offense.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1978 Saints compared unfavorably to both their division rivals and league leaders in key performance metrics:

The Saints' 7-9 record placed them just above the bottom of the NFC, but their point differential of -58 highlighted underlying weaknesses. While they outperformed teams like the 49ers, they lacked the consistency to challenge for a playoff spot. The season reflected the challenges of building a competitive team in a tough division.

Why It Matters

The 1978 season is a notable chapter in the Saints' long struggle to establish competitiveness in the NFL. It demonstrated both the promise of innovative coaching and the limitations of underperforming talent.

• Historical Context: The Saints were still seeking their first winning season, which wouldn’t come until 1987.
• Coaching Legacy: Hank Stram’s tenure, though ultimately unsuccessful, introduced modern offensive concepts to a struggling franchise.
• Player Development: Archie Manning’s performance solidified his reputation as a durable and skilled quarterback despite team losses.
• Fan Engagement: Attendance remained strong at the Superdome, showing early signs of growing local support.
• League Trends: The season highlighted the gap between innovative systems and on-field success without elite personnel.
• Foundation for Change: Continued struggles in 1978 and beyond led to eventual organizational overhauls in the 1980s.

The 1978 New Orleans Saints season, while not a success in terms of wins, contributed to the long-term evolution of the franchise. It underscored the importance of both coaching vision and roster strength in achieving NFL competitiveness.