What Is 2015 New Orleans Saints season

Overview

The 2015 season marked the 49th year in franchise history for the New Orleans Saints and their 10th under head coach Sean Payton. After a promising start, the team struggled down the stretch, finishing with a losing record and missing postseason play for the second consecutive season.

Despite strong individual performances, particularly from quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints were unable to overcome defensive shortcomings and inconsistent play. The team showed flashes of potential but ultimately failed to secure a playoff berth in a competitive NFC.

• Drew Brees threw for 4,825 yards and 32 touchdowns, maintaining his status as one of the league's top passers.
• The defense allowed 407 points over 16 games, ranking 29th in the NFL for fewest points allowed.
• The Saints started the season 4-4 but went 3-5 in the second half, including a five-game losing streak in December.
• Running back Mark Ingram rushed for 964 yards and 10 touchdowns, marking a career-best season at the time.
• The team played home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, averaging 72,744 fans per game, one of the highest attendance figures in the league.

Performance & Key Players

The 2015 Saints relied heavily on their high-powered offense, led by veteran quarterback Drew Brees, while defensive inconsistencies undermined their playoff chances. Several players delivered standout performances, though team cohesion remained an issue.

• Drew Brees: Threw for over 300 yards in 10 games and posted a 93.0 passer rating, showcasing elite consistency.
• Brandin Cooks: In his rookie season, he recorded 552 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns despite missing time with injury.
• Marques Colston: Caught 72 passes for 798 yards, providing reliable target depth behind tight end Jimmy Graham.
• Jimmy Graham: Played in only 9 games due to injury, finishing with 29 receptions and 316 yards.
• Brandon Browner: Led the team with 3 interceptions, but the secondary allowed the 5th-most passing yards in the league.
• Keenan Lewis: Signed in free agency, but struggled and was benched mid-season after allowing multiple game-winning drives.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2015 Saints season compares to the prior two seasons in key statistical categories:

The table highlights a decline from the strong 2013 campaign to two consecutive non-playoff seasons. While offensive production improved from 2014, defensive lapses and poor record in close games (3-7 in games decided by 7 points or fewer) contributed to their downfall.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a transitional year for the Saints, reflecting both the durability of their offensive system and the urgent need for defensive improvement. It underscored growing concerns about the team's ability to compete in the NFC without significant roster upgrades.

• The Saints' 7-9 record extended their playoff drought to two years, raising questions about long-term competitiveness.
• Drew Brees remained elite, but the lack of defensive playmakers highlighted roster imbalances.
• Head coach Sean Payton faced increased scrutiny, though ownership maintained confidence in his leadership.
• The season emphasized the importance of health, as injuries to Jimmy Graham and others disrupted offensive rhythm.
• Attendance remained strong, indicating unwavering fan support despite on-field struggles.
• The team used the offseason to rebuild the defense, setting the stage for future roster changes.

Ultimately, the 2015 campaign served as a cautionary chapter in the Saints' post-Super Bowl era, reminding fans that consistent excellence requires more than just offensive firepower.