If I told you one of the highest scoring games in NFL history feature Drew Brees, you may not blink an eye. If I told you Eli Manning was the quarterback on the other side, you may ask if I have the right Manning. I do. We'll take a look back at the explosive 2015 showdown between the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants as we countdown the 52 days until Saints kickoff.
The Saints and Giants walked into their Week 8 showdown as two mediocre teams. The Saints were on a two game win streak but only had three wins on the season. The Giants won their last game as well but were just one game over .500. No one was looking for this game to become an instant classic.
The Saints needed 52 points of those points to secure a victory. The Saints had to score as time expired to win this instant classic
Drew Brees etches his name in the NFL record books in victory
Brees won yet another epic duel against a Manning. First time, he defeated Peyton in the Super Bowl. This time he had to defeat Eli in a shootout. There have only been 100 total points scored in six games in NFL history. New Orleans and New York combined for 101 points, which is tied for the fifth highest total in NFL history.
Brees finished the game with 505 passing yards and seven touchdowns. The seven touchdowns have been duplicated but never surpassed. He did a good job of spreading ball around, throwing touchdowns to four different receivers. Brees also became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 500 yards more than once.
Saints win with an improbable ending
With all of that offense, it was a wacky special teams play that put the Saints in position to score. Brees' last touchdown tied the game with 36 seconds left. The Giants offense was hot, so they naturally went for the win in regulation. They ended up punting the ball away after a three-and-out.
Marcus Murphy returned the ball accross midfield then fumbled. The ball went right into Willie Snead's hands who ran it forward a couple of yards. A facemask by the punter pushed it up 15 yards and gave the Saints a 50-yard field goal attempt with five seconds left. That's much better odds than attempting a 65-yarder. The ball bounced the Saints way on the punt return, literally and figuratively. The fortuitous moment led to a game winning field goal by Kai Forbath to close this classic matchup.