2006 Week 17 Clincher vs Atlanta Falcons
A Christmas Eve miracle in Atlanta that finally sent the Saints to the playoffs.
The December 24, 2006, matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons stands as one of the most pivotal games in franchise history. Played at the Georgia Dome on Christmas Eve, this contest was not merely a divisional rivalry clash but the final hurdle for the Saints to secure their first-ever playoff berth. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the city's resilience following Hurricane Katrina and the team's improbable turnaround under head coach Sean Payton.
- Date
- December 24, 2006
- Location
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
- Final Score
- Saints 31, Falcons 17
- Key Player
- Drew Brees (MVP performance)
- Significance
- Clinched Saints' first-ever playoff berth
Lore & Background
The victory was sealed by quarterback Drew Brees, who orchestrated a masterful offensive display against a Falcons defense that had been formidable all season. The win was not just a statistical triumph but an emotional release for the fans, many of whom were still displaced or rebuilding their lives. It marked the moment the 'Who Dat' bandwagon shifted from a local novelty to a national phenomenon.
In Their Own Story
The Georgia Dome hummed with a tense, festive energy as Christmas carols mingled with the roar of the crowd. Inside the huddle, Drew Brees wiped sweat from his brow, the weight of the city on his shoulders. 'This is for New Orleans,' he whispered before the snap. The ball spiraled perfectly through the humid air, finding tight end Mark Bradley in the end zone. As the stadium lights flared against the night sky, the realization swept through the sideline: they had done it. The Saints were going to the playoffs.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was a must-win divisional showdown on Christmas Eve, where the Saints needed a victory to guarantee their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Entering Week 17 with a precarious standing, New Orleans traveled to Atlanta knowing that anything less than a win would likely end their season. What happened was a dominant offensive performance led by Drew Brees, who dismantled the Falcons' defense. The Saints took an early lead and never looked back, extending their advantage through precise passing and timely rushing attacks. Despite a late Falcons rally attempt, the Saints' defense held firm to secure a 31-17 victory. This match is remembered as the 'Clincher' because it shattered decades of futility for the franchise. It validated the post-Katrina rebuild and launched the dynasty era that would follow, culminating in Super Bowl XLIV just two years later.
Did You Know?
- This game marked the first time in franchise history that the Saints qualified for the playoffs.
- The win propelled the Saints into the NFC Divisional Round, where they would eventually face the New York Giants.
- It was part of a historic season where the team went from a projected last-place finish to division contenders.