What Is 2014 New Orleans Saints football team

Overview

The 2014 New Orleans Saints season marked the franchise's 48th in the National Football League (NFL) and the second full season under head coach Sean Payton following his 2012 suspension. After a strong 2013 campaign that ended in a playoff loss, expectations were high, but the team regressed to a 7-9 record and missed postseason play.

Quarterback Drew Brees remained the cornerstone of the offense, throwing for over 4,900 yards and 33 touchdowns, but defensive struggles and inconsistent running game performance hampered overall results. Despite individual standout performances, the team failed to improve on their 11-5 record from the previous year.

• Record: The Saints finished with a 7-9 record, their worst since 2007, and placed third in the NFC South division.
• Head Coach: Sean Payton returned to full-time duties after serving a season-long suspension in 2012 due to the Bountygate scandal.
• Quarterback: Drew Brees threw for 4,952 yards and 33 touchdowns, marking his sixth career season with over 4,000 yards.
• Defensive Struggles: The team allowed 25.4 points per game, ranking 25th in the league, a major factor in their losing record.
• Key Departures: In the offseason, the Saints lost defensive end Brooks Reed and safety Malcolm Jenkins, weakening their secondary depth.

Season Performance

The 2014 campaign was defined by offensive consistency but defensive inconsistency, with several close losses undermining playoff hopes. Injuries and underperformance on defense contributed to a season that fell short of expectations.

• Week 1 Result: The Saints opened with a 20-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, showing promise with a strong defensive effort.
• Midseason Slide: From Weeks 7 to 12, New Orleans lost five of six games, including defeats to the Ravens, Lions, and Bengals.
• Turnovers: The team committed 24 turnovers on the year, with Brees throwing 17 interceptions—the most since his rookie season.
• Running Game: The Saints averaged only 82.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 31st in the NFL, relying heavily on Brees.
• Close Losses: They lost four games by seven points or fewer, indicating a lack of clutch execution in critical moments.
• Final Game: The season ended with a 26-23 overtime loss to the Panthers in Week 17, eliminating any playoff chance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison between the 2014 Saints and their 2013 season, highlighting key performance shifts:

The data shows a clear decline in both offensive efficiency and defensive performance. While passing remained strong, the drop in rushing output and a 74-point increase in points allowed illustrate the team's regression. The loss of key defensive players and lack of running game balance contributed to this downturn.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a turning point for the Saints, signaling a need for roster overhaul and defensive improvement. It marked the first time since 2007 that the team failed to reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons, raising concerns about long-term competitiveness.

• Playoff Drought: Missing the postseason in 2013 and 2014 ended a run of four playoff appearances in five years.
• Defensive Rebuild: The poor defensive rankings led to a major offseason focus on strengthening the secondary and pass rush.
• Brees’ Longevity: At age 35, Brees proved he could still perform at an elite level, extending his streak of 4,000-yard seasons.
• Coaching Scrutiny: Sean Payton faced increased pressure to adapt strategies and improve team discipline and execution.
• Front Office Moves: The Saints traded key players like Kenny Stills and drafted cornerbacks in 2015 to address weaknesses.
• Legacy Impact: The season underscored the challenge of sustaining success in the NFL, especially with aging core players.

Ultimately, the 2014 New Orleans Saints season served as a cautionary tale about overreliance on offense and the importance of balanced team construction in professional football.