2013 Wild Card Playoff vs Falcons
A Superdome classic defined by a no-look pass, a desperate interception, and a miracle overtime victory.
The 2013 Wild Card playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons stands as one of the most dramatic and controversial chapters in NFL history. Played on January 5, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, this matchup featured two NFC South rivals locked in a high-stakes battle for advancement to the Divisional Round. The game is forever etched in Saints lore not just for its narrow outcome, but for the improbable sequence of events that saw Atlanta take a late lead before New Orleans mounted a miraculous comeback.
- Date
- January 5, 2014
- Venue
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Result
- Saints 24, Falcons 23 (OT)
- Key Player
- Drew Brees (MVP of the game)
- Turning Point
- The 'No-Look' pass and subsequent interception
- Overtime Duration
- 14 minutes and 5 seconds
Lore & Background
The legacy of this match is inextricably linked to the 'No-Look' pass by Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. In a moment that seemed destined for glory, Ryan attempted a deceptive throw that was intercepted by Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins. This turnover shifted the momentum irrevocably, leading to a field goal that tied the game and forced overtime. The subsequent overtime period saw a defensive stand by New Orleans followed by a short drive capped by a Brees touchdown pass, cementing the win in a fashion that felt both chaotic and destined.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome was thick with humidity and anticipation as the clock ticked down on regulation. Matt Ryan stood under center, eyes scanning the defense, before executing a move that would become infamous. He faked a handoff, spun, and threw without looking at his target. The ball hung in the lights for an eternity before Malcolm Jenkins rose like a hawk to snatch it from the sky. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a collective release of tension as the Saints' defense held firm one last time.
Reader's Guide
The game began as a defensive struggle but quickly evolved into an offensive shootout. Both teams traded touchdowns throughout regulation, with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees displaying elite quarterbacking skills. The Falcons took a narrow lead late in the fourth quarter, appearing poised to advance until the infamous 'No-Look' pass attempt. Malcolm Jenkins intercepted Ryan's deceptive throw on the Saints' 26-yard line, setting up a crucial field goal by Garrett Hartley that forced overtime. In the extra period, Atlanta went three-and-out, giving possession back to New Orleans with fresh legs and hope. Drew Brees orchestrated a methodical drive down the field, utilizing short passes to keep the chains moving. On third-and-goal from the two-yard line, Brees found Jimmy Graham for the game-winning touchdown. The Saints celebrated wildly as they secured their first playoff win since 2010.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time in NFL history that a team won a playoff game in overtime after trailing late in regulation with an interception being the key turning point.
- The 'No-Look' pass is widely considered one of the most memorable blunders in playoff history.
- This victory marked the Saints' return to the Divisional Round after a decade-long absence from deep postseason runs.