Saints march into the playoffs!
The preseason prognosticators didn’t give the New Orleans Saints much chance of having a successful 1997 season let alone getting into the playoffs. Good thing head coach Mike Ditka doesn’t listen to the media because the New Orleans Saints punched their ticket to the postseason with a 47-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at the Superdome.
The Saints had their best offensive day of the season on Sunday. They racked up 488 total yards on the day and scored 47 points. It is the third highest scoring output in Saint history. They scored 51 points in 1969 and 1976.
The Saints QB Billy Jo Hobert threw for 259 yards on 19 of 30 passing. He also threw three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Saints also gained 229 yards on the ground. RB Ray Zellars rushed for 116 yards on 20 carries. Troy Davis rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns. Mario Bates rushed for 70 yards on 18 carries.
The Cardinals’ QB Jake Plummer had a horrible first half. He was five of 11 passing for 42 yards with five first-half interceptions. Jeff Graham replaced Plummer after halftime. He threw for 146 yards on 13 of 20 passing with a touchdown.
Now that the Saints have secured a playoff spot, they are eyeing the NFC West Championship. They are now 10-5 and will play at Kansas City next weekend. In order to win the West, the Saints need to win their last game and need the 49ers to lose Monday Night against Denver and at Seattle in two weeks.
As for the Cardinals, they are now 2-13 and will finish their season at home against Atlanta.