PHILADELPHIA — The New Orleans Saints finally came up with the right plan for outdoor playoff football in
cold weather. It got them their first postseason road victory.
Shayne Graham’s 32-yard field goal, the fourth Saturday night for the recent addition to the team, won it
on the final play, 26-24 over the Philadelphia Eagles. Drew Brees, who threw for a touchdown and guided
the 34-yard drive to the winning kick, didn’t need to be a big star because the Saints’ running game and
defense — along with Graham’s leg — provided the heroics.
“It’s just, man, believing in each other, ignoring what everyone else has to say,” Brees said.
New Orleans (12-5) will play at NFC top-seed Seattle next Saturday. The Saints lost there 34-7 in the
regular season.
“It’s loud, it’s crazy, they’ve got a good thing going there,” Brees said of the next challenge.
Graham, signed by the Saints just over two weeks ago to replace long-time kicker Garrett Hartley, also
connected from 36, 46 and 35 yards.
Brees threw for a touchdown, Mark Ingram rushed for 97 yards and another score, and the Saints’ defense
slowed Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense just enough. New Orleans had been 0-5 in postseason games outside
of the Big Easy since entering the league in 1967.
Philadelphia wound up 10-7 in Kelly’s first year as coach. He guided them from worst to first in the NFC
East, but they were only 4-5 at home.
Nick Foles hit rookie Zach Ertz for a 3-yard touchdown with 4:54 remaining as Philadelphia rallied from a
13-point deficit to take a one-point lead. But Darren Sproles had a 39-yard kickoff return and a
horse-collar tackle brought New Orleans to the Philadelphia 48. Using mostly runs, the Saints ate up the
clock and set up Graham’s winner.