The Dome Patrol is arguably the greatest collection of linebackers in NFL history, and it is without a doubt the greatest defensive era in New Orleans Saints history.
Brandon Staley is bringing the 3-4 alignment back to New Orleans in 2025. The defense will be much more versatile in their alignment than the Saints were in the Dome Patrol era. Even without the multiplicity, it would be unfair to place any comparisons between them and the Dome Patrol. Players like that just don't roll around often.
We continue our countdown to Saints first game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. The game is 92 days away, and in the 1992 season, the Saints became the only team in NFL history to have their entire starting linebacker corps make the Pro Bowl.
Dome Patrol excellence shown in accolades
In 1992, Pat Swilling, Vaughn Johnson, Sam Mills and Rickey Jackson were voted to the Pro Bowl. It was none of these players' first Pro Bowl, but it was Jackson's first nomination since the group truly joined forces in 1987. Jackson was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player from 1983-1986, but didn't earn those honors again until 1992.
Jackson and Swilling both registered double digit sacks, and Mills set a career high with 130 tackles. In addition to making the Pro Bowl, these three players were also named to the All-Pro team. The Dome Patrol was dominant for many years, but this was the season where they were most appreciated.
Unfortunately, 1992 was also the last year of the group fully in tact. Swilling was the first to leave. A year later, Jackson and Vaughn were the next ones out the door. That left Mills as the last man standing, but that only lasted for a season. He joined the upstart Carolina Panthers in 1995
What made the linebacker corps a force
You had Rickey Jackson and Pat Swilling on the edge and Vaughn Johnson and Sam Mills manning the interior. This quartet covered a lot of ground and impacted the run and pass. Runners struggled to get to the edge because of Jackson and Swilling's tenacity and speed. When forced to cut upfield, Johnson and Mills were waiting for running backs. Quarterbacks had to deal with Jackson and Swilling heating them up around the corner.
The all around skillset made it nearly impossible for opposing offenses. Swilling gave you elite speed. Jackson provided a blend of speed and power. Johnson was an 18-wheeler ready and eager to flatten anyone with the ball. Mills is one of the most instinctual linebackers you'll see. Together, the Dome Patrol created an era that'll live on forever.