New Orleans Saints recent playoff history has been odd indeed

Can the New Orleans Saints get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2009?

There was “The Minneapolis Miracle” courtesy of Mike Zimmer’s Purple Gang and Stefon Diggs. That was followed by a controversial overtime loss to the visiting Los Angeles Rams in the 2018 NFC title game. And a year ago, the New Orleans Saints fell to the Vikings in the playoffs for the second time in three years and once again, it was an overtime loss at the Superdome.

There’s no doubting the talent of Sean Payton’s club. These days, only the Kansas City Chiefs (6) own a longer playoff appearance streak (6) than the club from the Big Easy (4). Payton’s squad has won four consecutive NFC South titles, a franchise record. But in each of the prior three seasons, the club failed to reach the Super Bowl.

So will things be different this time around? On Sunday afternoon, Payton’s squad hosts the 8-8 Chicago Bears. Earlier this season (Week 8), the Saints traveled north to Soldier Field and came away with a 26-23 overtime victory.

New Orleans’ defense came up with five sacks of then-starting quarterback Nick Foles. These days, a rejuvenated Mitch Trubisky is at the helm for Matt Nagy’s club. And could he take advantage of a defense that has been a bit spotty late in the year.

Yes, the team comes off a 33-7 win at Carolina. But in their previous three contests, Payton’s team surrendered a combined 89 points and dozen offensive touchdowns vs. the Eagles (loss), Chiefs (loss) and Vikings (win).

The good news is that running back Alvin Kamara — out a week ago due to COVID-19 — is expected to make his return to the football field since that record-tying six touchdown performance vs. Minnesota on Christmas afternoon at the Superdome. There’s also talk of this being Drew Brees’ final postseason run, which could be taken with a grain of salt.

Over these last four seasons, the New Orleans Saints own a combined 49-15 regular-season record. Those first three years saw their Super Bowl hopes end on the final play of the game in each instance. So what does the future hold for this postseason run?