The 1976 New Orleans Saints Season Schedule
| Regular Season | ||
| Sept 12 | Vikings | L 9-40 |
| Sep 19 | Cowboys | L 6-24 |
| Sep 26 | Chiefs | W 27-17 |
| Oct 3 | Oilers | L 26-31 |
| Oct 10 | Falcons | W 30-0 |
| Oct 17 | 49ers | L 3-33 |
| Oct 24 | Rams | L 10-16 |
| Oct 31 | Falcons | L 20-23 |
| Nov 7 | Packers | L 27-32 |
| Nov 14 | Lions | W 16-17 |
| Nov 21 | Seahawks | W 51-27 |
| Nov 28 | Rams | L 14-33 |
| Dec 5 | Patriots | L 6-27 |
| Dec 12 | 49ers | L 7-27 |
4 Wins 10 Loses
Coach: Hank Stram
First Round Draft Pick: Chuck Muncie RB University of California
Hank Stram’s first season with the Saints was nothing to get fired up about. Archie missed the whole season when he opted to undergo shoulder surgery and missed the entire season , so backups Bobby Scott and Bobby Douglass filled in. Bobby Douglas came to New Orleans via a Rick Middleton trade. Rookie Running backs Chuck Muncie and Tony Galbreath-dubbed Thunder & Lightning- provided an adequate running game despite a poor a offensive line. Muncie led the Saints in rushing with 659 yards while Galbreath led in receiving with 54 catches. He also had 8 touchdowns (7 rushing – 1 receiving) to lead in touchdowns scored.
Linebacker Jim Merlo led the defense with 4 interceptions — 2 of them were returned for touchdowns. The defense also managed a not-to-shabby 39 sacks.
There were a couple of exciting moments of this New Orleans Saints season. A 51-27 win over Seattle gave them their biggest margin of victory New Orleans had ever had (until the 1988 game against Denver) along with a 30-0 shutout of Atlanta where Jim Merlo had an 83-yard interception return for a TD. Hank Stram also enjoyed a 27-17 victory over his old team, the Kansas City Chiefs, who he coached to a Super Bowl IV win over the Minnesota Vikings in 1970.
Stats for 1976 New Orleans Saints NFL Season
1976 New Orleans Saints NFL Season Team Roster
