2013 Divisional Playoff vs Seattle Seahawks
A Super Bowl-bound thriller defined by a controversial non-call and Drew Brees' clutch performance.
The 2013 Divisional Playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Seattle Seahawks stands as one of the most electrifying and controversial contests in franchise history. Played on January 5, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, this matchup pitted the defending NFC champions against a surging Seattle defense led by Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. The game is remembered for its high-octane offense, dramatic momentum swings, and a controversial officiating call that ultimately allowed the Saints to advance to the NFC Championship.
- Date
- January 5, 2014
- Location
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
- Result
- Saints 23, Seahawks 15
- MVP_Candidate
- Drew Brees (Passing)
- Key_Turning_Point
- The 'No-Call' Pass Interference Controversy
Lore & Background
The aftermath of the game sparked intense debate across the NFL landscape regarding officiating standards in high-pressure situations. While Seattle's defense was historically formidable, the Saints' offense, orchestrated by Sean Payton and executed by Drew Brees, managed to navigate a gauntlet that had stymied many teams. The victory secured New Orleans a trip to the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, cementing this matchup as a pivotal moment in the 2013 postseason.
In Their Own Story
The Superdome hummed with a nervous energy as the clock ticked under two minutes. Drew Brees stood in the shotgun, scanning a Seattle defense that looked like an impenetrable wall of blue and green. Jimmy Graham ran his route, breaking free for a split second before Richard Sherman's hand connected squarely with his chest. The ball wobbled but stayed alive in Graham's hands as he stumbled into the end zone. The referee made no signal; the crowd erupted in disbelief and then pure jubilation. In that chaotic silence of the non-call, the Saints' season was saved.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was a high-stakes Divisional Playoff clash where both teams were fighting for a spot in the NFC Championship. The game began with Seattle dominating early, utilizing their fearsome defense to limit the Saints' usual explosive offense. However, Drew Brees and the Saints' receiving corps gradually found rhythm, chipping away at the lead throughout the second half. The defining moment occurred late in the fourth quarter when a potential pass interference penalty on Richard Sherman was not called by the officials. This allowed Jimmy Graham to score a crucial touchdown that gave New Orleans a narrow lead they would not relinquish. The game is remembered for this controversial officiating decision, which many analysts believe altered the trajectory of both franchises' seasons. Ultimately, the Saints held off a valiant Seattle comeback attempt to secure a 23-15 victory. This win propelled them into the NFC Championship Game against Green Bay, marking one of the most memorable and debated nights in recent Saints history.
Did You Know?
- This game featured two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks: Drew Brees for New Orleans and Russell Wilson for Seattle.
- The controversial 'No-Call' on Richard Sherman became a national talking point regarding pass interference standards in the playoffs.
- Seattle's defense was ranked number one in the NFL that season, making this victory particularly significant for New Orleans.