Dylan Soehner

Dylan Soehner's Biography

The New Orleans Saints experienced a challenging season in 2021, which marked their 55th season in the National Football League (NFL). This season also marked the 46th year of the team playing its home games at the renowned Caesars Superdome. Significantly, it was the 15th and final season under the leadership of the charismatic head coach, Sean Payton.

The season started promisingly for the Saints, with five victories and only two losses in their first seven games. However, the rhythm of their play was severely disrupted after an unfortunate event in Week 8, when their starting quarterback Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL in a game against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This injury catalyzed a downward turn for the Saints, who went on to lose the next five consecutive games.

The 2021 season also saw the Saints fail to improve on their 12-4 record from the previous season. They also missed out on the division title for the first time in five years, a frustrating outcome for fans who had grown accustomed to success. This disappointment was exacerbated by the Saints failing to secure a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2016, despite winning four of their last five games.

The Saints ended the season tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the seventh seed in the NFC. However, the decisive tiebreaker was settled based on the teams’ Week 11 head-to-head meeting, which was won by the Eagles. Adding to the Saints’ injury woes were disruptions caused by Covid-19. A record 58 different players took to the field during the season. The impact of these challenges was evident, as the Saints ranked in the bottom five in total offense for the season.

The 2021 season was one of significant change for the Saints. This year marked the first season since 2005 without their long-time quarterback Drew Brees, who announced his retirement in March after a glittering 20-year career in the league. Brees, a 13-time Pro Bowler, had an illustrious career with the Saints, helping to guide the team to its first and only Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XLIV. He also retired as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards, a record later broken by Tom Brady.

Sean Payton, the enduring face of the Saints, announced his departure from the team in January 2022, despite having three years left on his contract. Payton’s departure ended a successful 16-year tenure during which he led the team to nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title.

Throughout the season, the Saints experienced a fluctuating performance, both at home and on the road. From recording a victory against the Green Bay Packers in Jacksonville, Florida to overcoming the Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts for the first time since the 2009 season. They also faced losses, such as their defeat in Charlotte, North Carolina against the Panthers.

The Saints were defeated by various teams such as Falcons, Titans, and Cowboys, which resulted in a five-game losing streak. However, they managed to break this streak with a victory against the Jets. They achieved subsequent victories against teams like the Panthers and even the defending Super Bowl champions, the Buccaneers. Despite the challenges, the team maintained a fighting spirit, with key playmakers stepping up, including Taysom Hill who replaced injured Jameis Winston.

Ultimately, the Saints concluded their 2021 season with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing out on a spot in the playoffs despite a fighting finish. Nevertheless, they still managed to maintain a winning season, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity. This year marked a significant transition period for the New Orleans Saints, a team with a rich history and promising prospects for the future.