What Is 2015 New Orleans Saints football team

Overview

The 2015 New Orleans Saints season marked the franchise's 49th in the NFL and ninth under head coach Sean Payton. Playing their home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the team struggled to maintain consistency throughout the year.

Despite high-powered offensive performances led by quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints failed to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Defensive lapses and close losses contributed to a disappointing 7-9 final record.

• Drew Brees threw for 4,870 yards and 32 touchdowns, continuing his status as one of the league’s top passers.
• The team’s defense allowed 414 total points, ranking 28th in the NFL and highlighting a major area of concern.
• Running back Mark Ingram rushed for 964 yards and 6 touchdowns, providing a reliable ground game.
• The Saints started the season 1-3 but rebounded to win four straight games, showing brief signs of playoff contention.
• They finished 3rd in the NFC South, behind the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, missing postseason play.

Performance Breakdown

The 2015 Saints season featured a mix of offensive brilliance and defensive shortcomings, with key games defining their trajectory. Below is a detailed look at critical aspects of the team’s performance.

• Offensive Output: The Saints ranked 3rd in total offense with 6,254 total yards, showcasing their explosive passing attack.
• Defensive Struggles: New Orleans allowed 34.5 points per game in their final six games, collapsing down the stretch.
• Turnover Margin: The team had a -9 turnover differential, losing the ball more often than they forced takeaways.
• Home vs. Road: They went 5-3 at home but just 2-6 on the road, indicating poor away performance.
• Close Games: The Saints lost five games by 7 points or fewer, suggesting they were competitive but lacked clutch execution.
• Special Teams: Kicker Wil Lutz was not yet on the team; Shayne Graham and Brandon Browner handled kicking duties inconsistently.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Saints compared to division rivals and league averages across key performance metrics:

The table illustrates that while the Saints’ offense was above average, their defense was among the league’s weakest. Carolina’s dominant 15-1 season contrasted sharply with New Orleans’ mediocrity, emphasizing missed opportunities.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a turning point that prompted internal evaluation and roster changes. Though not a playoff year, it revealed both the durability of Drew Brees and the urgent need for defensive improvement.

• The Saints’ inability to finish games led to front-office discussions about overhauling the defensive coaching staff.
• Drew Brees remained one of the NFL’s most accurate passers, completing 68.3% of his throws despite offensive line injuries.
• The team’s reliance on passing exposed weaknesses in run defense and clock management during critical moments.
• Young players like Michael Thomas were not yet drafted, highlighting the need for future talent infusion.
• Mercedes-Benz Superdome attendance remained high, with fans showing continued loyalty despite the losing record.
• The season underscored the growing gap between New Orleans and elite NFC teams, pushing management toward long-term restructuring.

Ultimately, the 2015 campaign served as a cautionary tale of offensive firepower undermined by systemic defensive flaws, setting the stage for future rebuild efforts.