2006 Divisional Playoff vs Eagles
The night the curse broke and New Orleans roared.
The 2006 Divisional Playoff matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles stands as a watershed moment in franchise history. Played on January 13, 2007, this contest marked the end of a seventeen-year playoff drought for the Saints, dating back to their last postseason victory in 1987. It was the first time the team advanced past the wild card round since that era.
- Date
- January 13, 2007
- Location
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
- Result
- Saints Win (Overtime)
- Final Score
- 27-24
- Seedings
- #6 Saints vs #1 Eagles
- Key Quarterback
- Drew Brees
Lore & Background
The atmosphere in the Superdome that night remains legendary among supporters. It was not merely a game but an exorcism of past failures. Reggie Bush's electrifying rookie run and Brees' precision under pressure transformed the narrative from 'what if' to 'now what'. This victory paved the way for their subsequent journey to the NFC Championship Game, cementing this matchup as the true beginning of the modern Saints dynasty.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the dome was thick with humidity and anticipation. Drew Brees stood in the huddle, eyes scanning the defensive alignment, calm amidst the roar of seventy thousand fans. He knew what was at stake: not just a win, but validation for a city that had waited too long. The moment he stepped back to throw, time seemed to suspend, encapsulating the hopes of an entire generation on a single spiral.
Reader's Guide
The fourth quarter arrived with tension thick in the humid dome air. Philadelphia, favored heavily by analysts, held a slim lead as time wound down. Drew Brees orchestrated a methodical drive, mixing short passes to Deuce McAllister with deep threats that kept the Eagles' defense guessing. Every yard felt like a victory against the city's long history of playoff heartbreak. Regulation ended in a tie, sending the contest into overtime. The coin toss favored New Orleans, allowing them to receive the kickoff first. A crucial stop by Jonathan Vilma on the Eagles' initial drive set up the Saints' offense for their chance at glory. The crowd roared as the ball was snapped, knowing history hung in the balance of a single possession. With seconds remaining and the stadium shaking, the Saints drove to field goal range. The placekicker stepped onto the gridiron under blinding lights, calm amidst the chaos. The snap was clean, the hold perfect. The ball sailed through the uprights, silencing Philadelphia and igniting New Orleans. It was not just a win; it was the first playoff victory in seventeen years, shattering a curse that had defined generations of fans.
Did You Know?
- This game ended a 17-year streak without a playoff victory for the Saints franchise.
- The Saints were the #6 seed facing the #1 overall seed Philadelphia Eagles.
- Drew Brees was in his first full season as the starting quarterback during this matchup.
- It was the first time the team advanced to the NFC Championship Game.