For the second year in a row, the Saints lose a home postseason game in overtime as Minnesota upset the Black and Gold 26-20 in overtime. The Vikings had the better running attack, Kirk Cousins made some big throws and the Saints offense struggled through the first three quarters. Coach Sean Payton says they didn’t lose by a miracle or bad call this time.
“You tip your hats to Minnesota, they deserved to win, it’s always difficult when it happens in the playoffs, you know there is no follow up game,” said Payton.
Quarterback Drew Brees didn’t have his best game. He threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, but he was also intercepted once and lost a fumble for the first time this year. The 40-year-old Brees says it was a hard fought game, but it hurts to come up short.
“These opportunities are few, so it’s disappointing, if you are not the one holding up the trophy at the end of the year, it’s disappointing,” said Brees.
The Vikings fumbled on their first possession, but the Saints had to settle for a field goal despite great field position. Brees says not scoring a touchdown on the first drive set a bad tone.
“We didn’t capitalize on some big play opportunities when we had the chance and so when you add it up, they made more plays than we did,” said Brees.
Brees will turn 41-years-old this month, but did not want to speculate on his playing future during his post-game press conference. But expressed optimism about the Saints future.
“We’ve go incredible culture here, we got a great foundation built, and we know there’s a stable of guys who are going to be here a long time, so then you always spend the offseason finding the other pieces, the complimentary pieces whether that’s through the draft or free agency,” said Brees.
Brees is in his final year of his contract and could be a free agent in March.
