The Saints had never won a playoff game, and had just been crowned the NFC West Champions for only the second (and last) time. Now they faced the ultimate challenge in the defending Super Bowl Champions. With the steady guidance of Coach of the Year Jim Haslett, the Saints put up a big lead but nearly gave it away in the fourth quarter. What followed with just over two minutes remaining, could only be called divine intervention. A Saints punt was fumbled away, New Orleans recovered, and saved a 31-28 redemption.