2006 NFC South Championship
From the ashes of Katrina, the Saints rose to claim their first division crown and march toward glory.
The 2006 season stands as a watershed moment in New Orleans Saints history, marking the franchise's first-ever division title and their inaugural appearance in the NFC Championship Game under head coach Sean Payton. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, this campaign represented more than just athletic achievement; it was a profound symbol of resilience and renewal for the city of New Orleans. Led by quarterback Drew Brees, who overcame significant adversity to become an MVP candidate, the team transformed from perennial losers into legitimate contenders.
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- Quarterback
- Drew Brees
- Division Title
- NFC South Champions (1st)
- Regular Season Record
- 10-6
- Playoff Achievement
- NFC Championship Game Appearance
- Key Opponent Defeated in Playoffs
- Dallas Cowboys
Lore & Background
On the field, the season was defined by the historic partnership between Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton. Brees shattered numerous passing records that year, including single-season yards for a quarterback, proving he could lead an offense in any environment. Their playoff run included a stunning upset of the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round, where Brees orchestrated a precise offensive display to keep the dream alive. Although they fell short against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship, the 2006 team laid the essential groundwork for the Super Bowl XLIV victory that would follow just two years later.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome was thick with humidity and anticipation as the clock ticked down on a tense December afternoon. For the first time in decades, the roar of the crowd wasn't a polite applause but a deafening chant of "Who Dey?" echoing off the rafters. Drew Brees adjusted his facemask, the weight of a city's hopes resting on his shoulders as he surveyed the field. The offense moved with a rhythm that felt new and electric, slicing through defenses that had once held them back for years. In that moment, surrounded by the bright lights and the sea of gold and black, it was clear: the Saints were no longer just surviving; they were finally thriving.
Reader's Guide
The early 2000s saw the Saints struggling with instability, but the hiring of Sean Payton in 2006 marked a definitive turning point. This era began with the team's return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina displaced them for the 2005 season. Under Payton and new quarterback Drew Brees, the offense evolved rapidly into one of the league's most potent units. The 2006 season saw the team capture their first-ever division title, ending a long drought of playoff futility. The following years built upon this foundation. The momentum from 2006 carried through to 2009, where the same core group finally reached the pinnacle by winning Super Bowl XLIV, cementing the legacy of this transformative era.
Did You Know?
- The Saints played their home games in Atlanta and Baton Rouge during the 2005 season before returning to New Orleans in 2006.
- This was the first time in franchise history that the Saints won a division title.
- Sean Payton became only the second head coach in Saints history to lead the team to the NFC Championship Game.