Record 8–8 Playoff finish did not qualify Start date 2003 | Home field Mercedes-Benz Superdome | |
Similar 1975 New Orleans Saints se, 2001 New Orleans Saints se, 1973 New Orleans Saints se, 1979 New Orleans Saints se, 1981 New Orleans Saints se | ||
The 2003 New Orleans Saints season was the team's 37th as a member of the National Football League (NFL). They attained a record of 8–8. This was the season of the River City Relay, a play that has gone down in NFL lore from a week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Saints were 7-7 and needed a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Jaguars held a 20–13 lead with seven seconds left in regulation, and the Saints had possession on their own 25. In a scene evoking memories of The Play, Aaron Brooks passed to Donté Stallworth for 42 yards, Stallworth lateraled to Michael Lewis for 7 yards, Lewis lateraled to Deuce McAllister for 5 yards, and McAllister lateraled to Jerome Pathon for 21 yards and a touchdown. The score was 20–19, leaving only the extra point to force overtime. However, in an unlikely twist, John Carney, who in his career made 98.4% of extra points attempted and had not missed one in a full decade, inexplicably missed the kick wide right, causing the Saints to miss the playoffs.