Faith, Hope and Bum
Coming off the worst season ever in New Orleans, 1981 began
with the resignation of General Manager Steve Rosenbloom. Shortly
thereafter, owner John Mecom hired Bum Phillips to take over one
of the NFL's worst teams of all time. Bum Phillips had enjoyed
great success with the Houston Oilers, bringing them to 3
consecutive playoff appearances. Two of those appearances brought
Houston all the way to the AFC championship game. Saints fans were
hoping he could do the same in the city that the NFL forgot.
He began his work at New Orleans by drafting Heisman Trophy
winner and Earl Campbell clone George Rodgers with the number one
pick of the collage draft. Rodgers would lead the league in
rushing with 1,674 yards ( setting a new rookie rushing record).
The 1981 draft also brought in a wealth of talent to the
struggling Saints. Along with Rodgers, some other notable draft
picks were Dave Wilson (1st round supplemental) and defensiveback
Russell Gary (2nd round). With the second-round pick from San
Diego (gotten for runningback Chuck Muncie) we picked Rickey
Jackson of Pittsburgh. Jackson's rookie year was nothing short of
spectacular leading the team in sacks, with 8. His numbers were
125 tackles (85 solo), 10 passes defensed and 2 fumbles caused.
Some other players taken were defensive end Frank Warren (3rd
round), tight end Hoby Brenner (3rd round), cornerback Johnnie
Poe (6th round), fullback Hokie Gajan of LSU (10th round) and
defensive end Jim Wilks (12th round).
Archie Manning saw limited duty due to injuries so backups
Bobbie Scott and rookie Dave Wilson saw some playing time.
Running back Jack Holmes led the team in receiving with 38
catches. Dave Waymer led the team in interceptions with 4.
Despite only winning 4 games, the Saints played tough every game
and managed a first time ever season sweep of the Rams.
