For the first time since the 2016 season, the Saints are not playoff-bound. New Orleans beat Atlanta Sunday, but the 49ers come from behind win over the Rams keeps the Black and Gold out of the postseason, despite a winning record. Coach Sean Payton says it’s a disappointing end to a difficult season.
“Obviously the other game didn’t go the way we wanted, proud of this group, I thought we fought hard, fought hard all season,” said Payton.
After the Saints defeated the Falcons 30-20, they raced into the locker room to watch the conclusion of the Rams-49ers game, only to see San Francisco win in overtime. Safety Malcolm Jenkins says it was tough to watch.
“What we did today didn’t really matter, we wanted to get to the postseason, so once we got the win, did what we were supposed to do, got in the locker room, immediately watching TV, it’s hard when your fate is in someone else’s hands,” said Jenkins.
It was a trying season as the Saints spent the first month of the regular season re-located because of Hurricane Ida, suffered numerous injuries to key players, an NFL record 58 different starters and used four quarterbacks. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says it would have been an amazing story if they got into the playoffs.
“That would have been a hell of a momentous push for a playoff berth, but that’s just not in the cards, so now kiss the kids, be with the family,” said Jordan.
The Saints finish with a 9-8 record.
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