What Is 1987 New Orleans Saints football team

Overview

The 1987 New Orleans Saints represented a turning point in franchise history, transforming from perennial underdogs into legitimate playoff contenders. After ten consecutive losing seasons since their founding in 1967, the Saints finally broke through with a dominant performance in a strike-shortened 15-game season.

This season marked the emergence of a disciplined, defense-first identity under head coach Jim Mora, who instilled a no-excuses culture. The team’s success culminated in their first-ever postseason berth and playoff victory, electrifying the city of New Orleans and establishing a new standard for future teams.

• Record: The Saints finished the regular season with a 12-3 record, the best win total in franchise history up to that point.
• Playoff debut: They made their first-ever postseason appearance, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 44-10 in the Wild Card round.
• Divisional loss: Their season ended with a 21-17 loss to the Chicago Bears in the Divisional round, narrowly missing the NFC Championship.
• Head coach:Jim Mora, in his second year, led the team with a tough, disciplined approach that emphasized accountability.
• Strike impact: The season included three games with replacement players due to an NFL players’ strike, but the Saints won all three, boosting their record.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1987 campaign was defined by resilience, strategic execution, and standout performances on both sides of the ball. The Saints capitalized on a weak NFC West and consistent play to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

• Offensive leadership: Quarterback Bobby Hebert threw for 2,105 yards and 14 touchdowns, anchoring a balanced attack.
• Defensive dominance: The defense allowed just 18.2 points per game, ranking among the league’s top units.
• Home strength: They went 7-0 at home in the Superdome, creating a fortress-like environment for opponents.
• Key acquisition: Running back Chuck Muncie contributed 537 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns before retiring mid-season.
• Special teams: Kicker John Fourcade handled emergency QB duties during the strike games, winning all three.
• Turnaround story: After going 0-12 in their inaugural 1967 season, the 1987 team symbolized a complete organizational reversal.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 Saints compared favorably to previous and subsequent seasons in franchise history, setting benchmarks in wins, playoff success, and team culture.

The table highlights how the 1987 season was a pivotal leap from decades of futility. While later teams achieved greater success, the 1987 Saints laid the foundation for credibility and competitive expectations in New Orleans.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season redefined what was possible for the New Orleans Saints franchise and its fanbase. It marked the end of an era of losing and the beginning of sustained competitiveness in the NFL.

• Cultural shift: Jim Mora’s “Just win, baby” mentality transformed team culture and raised performance standards.
• Fan engagement: Attendance and local interest surged, with the Superdome becoming a feared venue.
• Playoff legacy: The win over Minnesota remains the most lopsided playoff victory in team history.
• Player development: The season proved the Saints could develop and retain talent, leading to future success.
• Historical significance: It was the first time the Saints finished above .500 and hosted a playoff game.
• Media attention: National outlets began covering the team seriously, ending the “Aints” mockery era.

The 1987 New Orleans Saints were more than a successful team—they were a symbol of resilience and rebirth, paving the way for future achievements including the 2009 Super Bowl victory.