The New Orleans Saints are 79 days away from their first game of the season. We continue our countdown to kickoff with another record breaking moment. In 1981, George Rogers took a toss 79 yards to the end zone in his rookie season. It's the longest run in Saints history
Rogers ran through one tackle, barely breaking stride. This isn't the case on many long runs, but Rogers had to show his patience on this run. After the initial break through, there was one more defender down the field. Rogers let his wide receiver get to the defender by teasing a break infield.
This run came right in the middle of three game stretch for Rogers with more than 100 yards. He was much more than long runs. Rogers was consistent all through his first year in the league. He led the NFL in yards and made First-Team All-Pro.
George Roger's record has stood the test of time
44 years later, Rogers’ record still holds. It’s almost surprising with the amount of notable running backs the Saints have had in this century.
No one has come closer to breaking the record than Deuce McAllister. McAllister ran up the middle against the Philadelphia Eagles for 76 yards. A miscalculated angle by the safety gave McAllister the edge in a foot race, and the safety didn’t catch up until the end.
Mark Ingram also got close with a long run against the San Francisco 49ers. He burst through the offensive line before coming face to face with Antoine Bethea. Ingram cut outside and Bethea never stood a chance. Ingram went untouched until Eric Reid got a hand on Ingram’s ankle as he stepped into the end zone.
Alvin Kamara isn’t a speedster but he did break a 74-yard touchdown run that showcased his silky smooth running style.
Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles are two of the most notable speedsters the Saints have had at the position in recent history. Neither of them had rushes longer than 60 yards with the Saints.