The 10 biggest what-ifs in New Orleans Saints history
• Sean Payton was nearly replaced by a legend
• What if Marcus Williams stopped the Minneapolis Miracle?
By Randy Gurzi
9. What if the 1992 Saints beat the Eagles?
The Saints have just one Super Bowl win under their belt, which came following the 2009 season. However, there are those who don't believe this was the best roster they've ever had. According to Zayne Grantham of Bleacher Report, that distinction belongs to the 1992 roster, which he believes could have won the Super Bowl if they knocked off the Eagles in the playoffs.
That year, New Orleans went 12-4 under head coach Jim Mora — after going 11-5 the previous year. Bobby Hebert, Vaughn Dunbar, Craig "Iron Head" Heyward, and Eric Martin were the offensive leaders but it was the defense that caused issues for opposing teams.
Led by defensive coordinator Steve Sidwell, the Saints' defense had three players with double-digit sacks – Wayne Martin (15.5), Rickey Jackson (13.5), and Pat Swilling (10.5). Sam Mills was their leading tackler with 130 and Toi Cook had six interceptions. They were the No. 1 defense in the NFL and finished top five against the run and pass.
Unfortunately, it all ended in the Wild Card Round.
New Orleans built a 20-10 lead but then the defense fell apart and gave up 26 points in the fourth quarter. This meltdown is often forgotten since the Houston Oilers blew a 28-3 lead against the Bills' backup quarterback, Frank Reich, but it was just as gut-wrenching for Saints fans.
They lost 36-20 but had they won, they might have been able to make a run. The Dallas Cowboys won it all that year but New Orleans had the pieces on defense to contend with them.