Record 8–8 Playoff finish did not qualify Start date 2003 Owner Tom Benson | Division place 2nd NFC South Head coach Jim Haslett General manager Mickey Loomis Home field Mercedes-Benz Superdome | |
Pro Bowlers LeCharles Bentley (G)
Deuce McAllister (RB) AP All-Pros Deuce McAllister (1st team) 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.