First Playoff Victory (1987)
Thirty years of waiting ended with a historic victory over the Vikings in the Superdome.
The 1987 season stands as the definitive turning point in New Orleans Saints history, marking the end of three decades of futility. For thirty years since their founding in 1967, the franchise had never secured a single postseason victory, earning a reputation for chronic losing across the NFL. This era defined the arrival of Jim Mora Sr., whose disciplined coaching style transformed the team's culture. The season culminated in the franchise's first-ever playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings, proving that the Saints could compete at the highest level and setting the stage for future competitiveness.
- Season
- 1987
- Head Coach
- Jim Mora Sr.
- Starting Quarterback
- Archie Manning
- Playoff Opponent
- Minnesota Vikings
- Game Result
- 20-16 Victory
- Location
- Louisiana Superdome
- Historic Milestone
- First Franchise Playoff Win
Lore & Background
Before 1987, the Saints were synonymous with disappointment. The 'Aint Nothin' But A Saints' moniker was not just a nickname; it was a cultural reality that permeated New Orleans sports life. Fans attended games knowing defeat was likely, making the atmosphere in the Superdome often somber rather than celebratory. Jim Mora's arrival changed the defensive identity of the club. He built a unit capable of stopping high-powered offenses, shifting the narrative from survival to contention. This shift allowed Archie Manning to thrive as the veteran leader who finally had a supporting cast worthy of his talent and experience. The victory against Minnesota was more than a game; it was an exorcism of bad luck. It validated the patience of the fanbase and proved that the franchise could win on national television, transforming the Superdome from a house of horrors for opponents into a fortress of hope.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome hummed with tension as the clock ticked down in January. Archie Manning wiped sweat from his brow, looking toward the sideline where Jim Mora stood stoic. The scoreboard read Saints 20, Vikings 16. A hush fell over the crowd as the final play was called. When the whistle blew, the roar that erupted shook the rafters. For thirty years, this silence had been their only companion; tonight, it was finally broken.
Reader's Guide
The Saints began in 1967 under Tom Benson, entering a league dominated by established franchises. The 1970s and early 80s were defined by consistent rebuilding efforts and the infamous 'Aint Nothin' But A Saints' reputation. Ownership remained stable with Benson throughout this period, though on-field success was elusive for nearly two decades. The turning point arrived in 1986 when Jim Mora Sr. took over as head coach. He implemented a disciplined defensive scheme that transformed the team's culture and identity within the NFC East. By the 1987 season, quarterback Archie Manning led a squad that finally reached .500 territory for the first time since inception, ending the losing streaks of previous years. Although the NFC Championship loss to Washington followed shortly after, this era marked the end of decades of futility and established a new standard for competitiveness in the Superdome.
Did You Know?
- This was the first playoff win in Saints history after exactly thirty seasons of existence.
- The team finished the regular season with an impressive 12-4 record under Mora.
- Archie Manning became the face of this historic turnaround during his final seasons.
- The victory advanced them to the NFC Championship Game for the first time ever.