The New Orleans Saints are 44 days away from their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Robert Meachem’s 44-yard fumble return touchdown continues our countdown to kickoff.
You could a lifelong football fan, and this would still rank high among the most unique players you’ve ever seen. There’s been roller coaster games, but there’s not many roller coaster plays. This is one of the few examples of that.
Saints fans went from nervous to deflated to hopeful to elated in the matter of one play. That’s enough for a game and the Saints got that in a matter of seconds.
Robert Meachem's play was the type of moment befitting of the Saints Super Bowl season
The Saints were in the last minute of the first half in a third-and-forever situation. Brees obviously felt comfortable just throwing it up. He was back pedaling and threw the ball into traffic. Kareem Moore intercepted the pass and had his mind on scoring.
Unfortunately for Moore, Meachem had his mind on scoring as well. Moore got up and ran towards his end zone. When he ran into Meachem, Meachem stripped the ball away. There was no one else around. The wide receiver had a clear path to the end zone and turned a turnover into six points for the offense.
The touchdown left everyone in disbelief. This type of play wasn't out of norm in 2009. The Saints finished that season with multiple moments that dropped your jaw
When you look back on the Super Bowl season, this was one of the plays that defines that special season. From improbable comebacks, to legendary interceptions and a surprise onside kicks, the season was a reminder to expect the unexpected. Meachem turning what would have been an interception into a game-tying touchdown going into halftime was a great reminder of that.