Saints on Path to the Playoffs
Dec. 18 -- The New Orleans Saints are about as close asthey can get to their fifth postseason berth in 34 years.
Playing inside the Superdome, the Saints moved to the brink ofclinching their first playoff spot since 1992 with a 23-7 victorySunday over the Atlanta Falcons.
Only a tie in tonight’s game between St. Louis and TampaBay — there has not been a tie in the NFL since 1997 — can prevent the Saints from reaching postseason play.
“I don’t know of too many teams that go 3-13, then have won 10 games to this point this season,” Saints coach Jim Haslett said.“The way these guys have stuck together and really become afamily, the way they feed off one another, that’s the biggest thingI’m proud of.”
The Falcons (3-12), had not lost to the Saints in the Superdomein five years, and had lost by 10 or more points there only fourother times since the Dome was built 25 years ago.
Aaron Brooks, alternately looking like a green rookie and aseasoned pro, completed 24 of 34 passes for 285 yards.
Owens Shines on Rice’s Day
Terrell Owens had plenty to be proud of, too. While the SanFrancisco 49ers and their fans were honoring Jerry Rice on possiblyhis final home game, Owens caught an NFL-record 20 passes for 283yards in a 17-0 win over Chicago.
Owens broke Tom Fears’ mark of 18 catches set with the LosAngeles Rams on Dec. 3, 1950, against Green Bay. Owens also toppedRice’s franchise record of 16 receptions against the Los AngelesRams in 1994.
“What I did by no means overshadows No. 80,” Owens said about Rice, his mentor. “He’s been a big part of my success.”
With tears in his eyes after the game, Rice praised Owens.
“Records are meant to be broken,” Rice said. “I feel T.O. is going to carry on the tradition.”
After Rice’s daughter sang the national anthem, the NFL’s most prolific pass catcher made a 25-yard reception on SanFrancisco’s first play.
Related Stories
ABC News Live