The 2012 New Orleans Saints season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League, and the 37th with home games at the Superdome. It was going to be the seventh season under head coach Sean Payton; however, he was suspended by the NFL for the entire 2012 season as part of the punishment for the team's bounty scandal. On April 12, 2012, linebackers coach Joe Vitt was named interim head coach to replace Sean Payton while he served his one-year suspension.[1] On August 22, 2012, it was announced that Aaron Kromer would take over while Vitt himself served a six-game suspension to start the regular season.[2] The Saints attempted to make history as the first host team to play the Super Bowl on their own home field, but they were eliminated from post-season contention in Week 16. The Saints set an NFL record for most yards given up by a defense, 7,042 yards, surpassing the 1981 Baltimore Colts record of 6,793 yards.
Personnel changes
After his contract expired, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was hired by the St. Louis Rams to the same position on January 16, 2012. Former Rams' head coach Steve Spagnuolo replaced Williams. Williams was later handed an indefinite suspension from the NFL for his role in the bounty scandal.
Roster changes
Signings
- All signings were to active roster, except where otherwise noted.
| Pos. | Player | Date
[3][4]
| Notes |
| WR |
Andy Tanner |
January 18, 2012 |
|
| CB |
Kamaal McIlwain |
January 18, 2012 |
Released August 27, 2012. |
| OT |
Phil Trautwein |
January 18, 2012 |
Released May 15, 2012 |
| OG |
Nick Howell |
January 18, 2012 |
Released May 15, 2012. |
| QB |
Sean Canfield |
January 18, 2012 |
|
| CB |
Josh Victorian |
January 18, 2012 |
Released May 15, 2012 |
| CB |
Cord Parks |
January 18, 2012 |
Released July 31, 2012. Re-Signed August 2, 2012. Released August 27, 2012. |
| OT |
Fenuki Tupou |
January 18, 2012 |
Placed on Injured Reserve August 20, 2012. |
| RB |
Chris Taylor |
January 18, 2012 |
Released June 8, 2012 |
| DT |
Mitch King |
January 18, 2012 |
|
| DT |
Swanson Miller |
January 19, 2012 |
Released August 27, 2012. |
| OG |
Ben Grubbs |
March 15, 2012 |
From the Baltimore Ravens |
| DT |
Brodrick Bunkley |
March 21, 2012 |
From the Denver Broncos |
| LB |
Chris Chamberlain |
March 23, 2012 |
From the St. Louis Rams. Placed on Injured Reserve August 20, 2012. |
| LB |
Curtis Lofton |
March 24, 2012 |
From the Atlanta Falcons |
| LB |
David Hawthorne |
April 3, 2012 |
From the Seattle Seahawks |
| WR |
Courtney Roby |
April 16, 2012 |
Re-Signed |
| CB |
Jabari Greer |
April 20, 2012 |
Re-Signed |
| LB |
Jonathan Casillas |
April 24, 2012 |
Re-Signed |
| K |
John Kasay |
April 26, 2012 |
Re-Signed |
| DT |
Remi Ayodele |
May 7, 2012 |
Released August 27, 2012. |
| CB |
Marquis Johnson |
May 11, 2012 |
From the St. Louis Rams |
| OT |
Hutch Eckerson |
May 14, 2012 |
Released August 27, 2012. |
| LB |
Lawrence Wilson |
May 15, 2012 |
|
| CB |
Elbert Mack |
June 5, 2012 |
From the Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| QB |
Luke McCown |
June 7, 2012 |
From the Jacksonville Jaguars. Released August 27, 2012. |
| QB |
Drew Brees |
July 13, 2012 |
Re-Signed |
| TE |
Derek Schouman |
July 24, 2012 |
|
| DE |
Alex Daniels |
July 31, 2012 |
|
| LB |
Ramon Humber |
August 6, 2012 |
Re-Signed |
| OG |
Paul Fenaroli |
August 11, 2012 |
Released August 27, 2012. |
| TE |
Daniel Graham |
August 11, 2012 |
|
| WR |
Greg Camarillo |
August 20, 2012 |
|
| LB |
Barrett Ruud |
August 20, 2012 |
From the Seattle Seahawks |
Draft
Main article:
2012 NFL DraftThe Saints did not have a first- or second-round selection.[a][b]
- NOTES
- ^[a] The team traded its 2012 first-round selection and a 2011 second-round selection to the New England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' 2011 first-round selection.
- ^[b] The team forfeited their second-round selections in 2012 and 2013 as part of the punishment for the team's bounty scandal.
- ^[c] The team swapped picks in the sixth round with the Miami Dolphins as part of the Reggie Bush trade.
Undrafted free agents
All undrafted free agents were signed just after the 2012 NFL Draft concluded on April 28.[5]
| Position | Player | College | Notes |
| LB | Kadarron Anderson | Furman | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| WR | Malcolm Beyah | Middle Tennessee State | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released June 13, 2012. |
| DE | Braylon Broughton | TCU | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| TE | Jake Byrne | Wisconsin | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012. |
| RB | Travaris Cadet | Appalachian State | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| DB | A.J. Davis | Jacksonville State | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Placed on Injured Reserve August 11, 2012. Released August 18, 2012. |
| C | Brian Folkerts | Washburn | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012. |
| WR | Chris Givens | Miami (OH) | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Placed on Injured Reserve August 2, 2012. |
| S | Jose Gumbs | Monmouth | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| WR | Kevin Hardy | The Citadel | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released July 24, 2012. Re-signed August 6, 2012. Released August 27, 2012. |
| OT | Dan Hoch | Missouri | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released May 15, 2012. |
| LB | Stephen Johnson | Temple | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released May 15, 2012. |
| S | Jerico Nelson | Arkansas | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| RS | Laron Scott | Georgia Southern | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Releases August 6, 2012. |
| OT | Aderious Simmons | Arizona State | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| LB | Aaron Tevis | Boise State | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012. |
| S | Johnny Thomas | Oklahoma State | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp. Released August 27, 2012. |
| DE/DT | Tyrunn Walker | Tulsa | Added to the team roster on April 30, will participate in rookie mini-camp |
| OG | DeOn'tae Pannell | Penn State | Added to the team roster on May 15 after participating in rookie mini-camp |
| DB | Nick Hixson | Hillsdale | Added to the team roster on May 15 after participating in rookie mini-camp. Released June 8, 2012. Re-Signed August 11, 2012. |
| OG | Scott Winnewisser | California (PA) | Signed May 29, 2012. Placed on Injured Reserve August 6, 2012. |
| RB | Joe Banyard | UTEP | Signed June 7, 2012. |
| WR | Derek Moye | Penn State | Claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins on June 13, 2012. Released August 27, 2012. |
| LB | Donavan Robinson | Jackson State | Signed June 22, 2012. Released August 27, 2012. |
| WR | Marques Clark | Henderson State | Signed July 24, 2012. Released August 27, 2012. |
Staff
| 2012 New Orleans Saints staff |
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Front office
- Owner/President – Tom Benson
- Owner/Executive Vice President – Rita Benson LeBlanc
- Executive Vice President/General Manager – Mickey Loomis
- Director of Football Administration – Khai Harley
- Director of Pro Scouting – Ryan Pace
- Director of College Scouting – Rick Reiprish
- Assistant Director of College Scouting – Brian Adams
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
† – suspended for the entire 2012 season
(see New Orleans Saints bounty scandal)
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
- Head Strength and Conditioning – Dan Dalrymple
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Charles Byrd
- Weight Room Assistant – Robert Wenning
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Final roster
| 2012 New Orleans Saints final roster |
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Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
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Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
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Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics
53 Active, 11 Inactive, 8 Practice squad
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Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
- Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Washington Redskins
| Game information |
- First quarter
FG- Billy Cundiff 37 yard kick WAS
TD- Jimmy Graham 20 yard pass from Drew Brees (Garret Hartley kick) NO
TD- Pierre Garçon 88 yard pass from Robert Griffin III (Cundiff kick) WAS
- Second quarter
TD- Aldrick Robinson 5 yard pass from Griffin III (Cundiff kick) WAS
FG- Cundiff 41 yard kick WAS
TD- Courtney Roby 4 blocked punt (Hartley kick) NO
- Third quarter
TD- Alfred Morris 1 yard run (Cundiff kick) WAS
FG- Cundiff 37 yard kick WAS
FG- Hartley 21 yard kick NO
- Fourth quarter
FG- Billy Cundiff 45 yard kick WAS
TD- Lance Moore 33 yard pass from Brees (Hartley kick)
TD- Morris 3 yard run (Cundiff kick)
TD- Darren Sproles 2 yard pass from Brees (Hartley kick)
|
- Leading Passers
- WAS – Robert Griffin III
- NO – Drew Brees
- Leading Rushers
- WAS – Alfred Morris
- NO – Pierre Thomas
- Leading Receivers
- WAS – Pierre Garçon
- NO – Lance Moore
- Leading Tacklers
- WAS – Madieu Williams
- NO – Roman Harper
|
|
With the loss, the Saints started their season 0–1.
Week 2: at Carolina Panthers
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- NO – D. Brees: 31/49, 325 yards, 1TD, 2INT
- CAR –
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
|
With the loss, the Saints fell to 0–2.
Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
|
With the close loss, the Saints fell to 0–3.
Week 4: at Green Bay Packers
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
|
With the loss, the Saints face their first 0–4 start since 2007.
Week 5: vs. San Diego Chargers
Week Five: San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers |
7 |
10 |
7 | 0 | 24 |
| Saints |
7 |
7 |
7 | 10 | 31 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
|
Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas' record of consecutive games with a touchdown in the first quarter. The record touchdown was witnessed by Unitas' son Joe. With the surprising win, the Saints go into their bye week at 1–4.
Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
|
With the win, the Saints improved to 2–4. Also, QB Drew Brees increased his number of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 49.
Week 8: at Denver Broncos
Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints |
0 |
7 |
0 | 7 | 14 |
| Broncos |
7 |
10 |
7 | 10 | 34 |
at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
- Date: October 28
- Game time: 7:20 p.m. CDT/6:20 p.m. MDT
- Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 76,832
- Referee: Mike Carey
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
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With the loss, the Saints fell to 2–5. However, despite the loss, QB Drew Brees increased his record of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 50.
Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Nine: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Eagles |
0 |
3 |
10 | 0 | 13 |
| Saints |
7 |
14 |
7 | 0 | 28 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
|
With the win, the Saints improved to 3–5. Also, QB Drew Brees increased his streak of games with at least one passing touchdown to 51.
Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons |
10 |
7 |
0 | 10 | 27 |
| Saints |
7 |
14 |
7 | 3 | 31 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: November 11
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,126
- Referee: Tony Corrente
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
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After their huge win over the Eagles, the Saints stayed home for a game against their heated rival Falcons. Sitting at 3–5, the Falcons came into this game at 8–0. The Saints surprisingly won their 4th-straight game against the Falcons and improved their record to 4–5 while the Falcons dropped to 8–1. Drew Brees brought his total of games with a passing touchdown to 52.
Week 11: at Oakland Raiders
Week Eleven: New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints |
14 |
7 |
14 | 3 | 38 |
| Raiders |
0 |
7 |
3 | 7 | 17 |
at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
- Date: November 18
- Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST
- Game weather: 61 °F (16 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 56,880
- Referee: Pete Morelli
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
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After 2 straight dominant home wins, the Saints traveled to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The Saints again dominated this game after the Raiders took the first points of the game. The Saints would win and improve to 5–5 on the season keeping their playoff hopes alive. Also Drew Brees brought his streak of at least 1 passing touchdown in a single game to 53.
Week 12: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| 49ers |
7 |
7 |
14 | 3 | 31 |
| Saints |
7 |
7 |
7 | 0 | 21 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: November 25
- Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,147
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
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The loss dropped the team to 5–6, but Brees' record of games with at least 1 passing touchdown stood at 54.
Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Thirteen: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints |
0 |
7 |
6 | 0 | 13 |
| Falcons |
7 |
10 |
0 | 6 | 23 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
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After the tough road loss to the Niners, the Saints traveled to take on the Falcons in a TNF matchup. The Saints' 4-game winning streak against the Falcons would be snapped as the team dropped to 5–7. Also, QB Drew Brees' streak of consecutive games with at least 1 passing touchdown would come to an end as he threw a career-high 5 interceptions in one game on the night. Regardless, his total passing touchdowns at this point was 31 bringing him his 5th straight season with 30+ passing touchdowns.
Week 14: at New York Giants
Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at New York Giants – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints |
7 |
6 |
14 | 0 | 27 |
| Giants |
14 |
7 |
14 | 17 | 52 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date: December 9
- Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), rain
- Game attendance: 81,437
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
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Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saints |
7 |
17 |
7 | 10 | 41 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: December 16
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,096
- Referee: Mike Carey
- TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, and Laura Okmin
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
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With the win, The Saints improved to 6–8 and swept the Buccaneers for the first time since 2006 and posted their first shutout win since 1995 to the New York Jets 12–0
Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
Week Sixteen: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Saints |
7 |
10 |
7 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
| Cowboys |
0 |
14 |
3 | 14 | 0 | 31 |
at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: December 23
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 92,570
- Referee: Walt Coleman
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
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With the win, the Saints improved to 7–8. However, the Saints were eliminated from postseason contention, thus rendering them unable to play Super Bowl XLVII on their own home turf (as of 2015, no team has done this in Super Bowl history).
Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
3 |
10 |
14 | 17 | 44 |
| Saints |
0 |
17 |
7 | 14 | 38 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: December 30
- Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,124
- Referee: Alberto Riveron
- TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Mike Martz and Krista Voda
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Leading Passers
- Leading Rushers
- Leading Receivers
- Leading Tacklers
|
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With the loss, the Saints finished with their first losing season since 2007 at 7–9. Also, the team was swept by the Panthers for the first time since 2008.
Standings
References
External links
Media related to 2012 New Orleans Saints season at Wikimedia Commons
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