NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round
 

The Saints remain in the top spot, as they should. They're not scared of big Nick energy. Now with that bit of accounting out of the way, it's story time: The other day, while working on my piece about the finalists for the Hall of Fame's Class of 2019, your friendly writer popped on the 1987 NFC wild-card game between the Vikings and Saints for background ambiance. (It was either that or "The Meg," a Jason Statham vehicle that delivered in a very Mark Brunell-esque manner.) I watched this game at my dad's as a kid, and I will never forget it. This was New Orleans' first foray into the postseason after 20 years of winless football. You thought Browns fans have had it rough? The Saints went from 1967 to 1986 with nary a winning season, just two 8-8 campaigns to provide (false) hope during that time. Then, in 1987, they went 12-3 and got the city of New Orleans rockin'. The Superdome was a packed house, full of kinetic energy. And the Saints imploded in a 44-10 disaster. Jim Mora's outfit wasn't ready -- jittery on offense, outplayed on defense, devastated. Those Mora-led teams would never get a playoff win, and yet, for decades, they were the greatest this organization had to offer. Eventually, general manger Mickey Loomis, coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees came along to reshape the franchise forever, laying a foundation that isn't easily shaken in large moments or when facing the hottest team. All of which brings us back to the beginning of this blurb: Of Foles, they have no fear.

NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round - NFL.com

Re: NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round
 

Mora’s years had the saints in same division with 49’ers Montana, Young,rice. We often had great years only to have SF beat us by one game for division champs

Re: NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round
 

I will always believe that the Saints had a good enough offense to beat the 40-whiners if Mora had played to win and not lose.

Re: NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round
 

Damn straight! He never opened things up.

Re: NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round
 

Carl Smith was such a Loser OC. And Mora was an Idiot for keeping him on board.

XLIV CHAMPS

Re: NFL Power Rankings: Colts, Cowboys roll into Divisional Round
 

I remember a home game against the 40-whiners, this was obviously in pre-replay days.

Montana hit Rice on a long pass and Rice was holding the ball in one hand and fumbled it before he crossed the end line; the ref was several yards behind and allowed the TD to stand.