The Top 10 Plays That Defined the Saints Season

1st & 5:

Week by Week Picks for the 2012 NFL Season

It’s always an eerie feeling to finish a season so dismal as ours, especially given the problems. These are my compiled 10 Plays that Defined the Saints 2012 Season, which include the Top 5 Best, and Top 5 Worst (in no particular order). It was tough to decipher, but when you think about how the season went, these are some of the plays that stood out. As a side note, some of these videos only allow direct links, and these all are copyright of the NFL.

TOP 5 WORST

Jamaal Charles Runs Wild, Changes Momentum of Game (9/23)
It's equally as bad that this run changed the course of the game, but Martez Wilson was bear hugged, and the replacement officials missed it completely.

Brees Interception(s) vs. Atlanta, Record is Halted (11/29)

Pierre Thomas, Not A Touchdown? (9/23)
It was so terrible that the Ref couldn't explain clearly how bad they f'd up. It was even ruled a catch...

David Wilson & Giants Special Teams Run Wild (12/9)

Ahmad Brooks Changes Course of Saints Season (11/25)
Quite simply put, this interception near the end of the half threw the Saints into the tailspin that would become a three game losing streak, which no one saw coming.

TOP 5 BEST

Malcolm Jenkins Pick Six Against Raiders (11/18) 

You may not think it was a big deal, but this helped get the Saints defense some much needed swagger is why I chose this. Jenkins had a great individual effort to put the Saints ahead 14-0 over the Raiders.

Malcolm Jenkins Runs Down Vincent Jackson / Saints Goal Line Stop (10/21)
You'd think he would have scored, but not so much.

Joe Morgan Hauls in Deep TD vs. Bucs (10/21)
You could really choose any of the long grabs by Morgan, but this one had 'sick nasty' wrote all over it.

Chris Ivory Goes Beast Mode on the Falcons (11/11)
Simply, En Fuego comes to mind.

Drew Brees Breaks Johnny Unitas’ Record (10/7) / Breaks 300 TDs (10/28)

I cheated here again, because they go hand in hand. Brees & the Saints were seeking their first victory of the year. Devery Henderson was the recipient (and rightfully so in my opinion) of the record breaker against the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. Not only did Breesbreak the record in typical fashion, but also did it against the team that gave up on him. Against the Broncos, Brees hooked up with Darren Sproles for 29 yards to eclipse 300 TD passes in his career.

Honorable Top Play Mentions: Mark Ingram Run vs. Raiders (11/18), Lance Moore One-Handed Grab vs. Falcons (11/11), Patrick Robinson Pick Six vs. Eagles (11/5), Lance Moore 51 Yard Catch vs. Panthers (12/30), Jimmy Graham Fumble Recovery vs. Cowboys (12/23), ElbertMack Pick Six vs. Giants (12/9), Courtney Roby Punt Block for TD vs. Redskins (9/9)

Dishonorable Worst Play Mentions: Pierre Garcon 88 Yard Catch & Run (9/9), Charles Godfrey Pick Six (9/16), Garrett Hartley Misses FG vs. Packers (9/30), Greg Olsen Non-Fumble Call (12/30)