December 22, 1991: Saints Clinch First-Ever Division Title

On this date, 25 years ago, the New Orleans Saints clinched their first division title in franchise history.

Ironically enough, 25 years ago today, in the 25th year of the franchise, the Saints won their first-ever division championship.

They did it by knocking off the then Phoenix Cardinals, 27-3, in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, December 22, 1991.

The New Orleans defense led the way forcing 7 turnovers, including 5 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries.

Safety Gene Atkins picked off three passes, while Vincie Glenn and Stan Petry each added one.

Offensively, quarterback Bobby Hebert threw for 100 yards and one touchdown, while Buford Jordan rushed for 38 yards and a score.

The Saints finished the regular season at 11-5, good enough to win the NFC West Division, by one game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, who both finished 10-6.

As they did in the division-clincher over the Cardinals, the defense paved the way the entire season, forcing 48 turnovers, tied for the most for any team in a single season in the 1990's.

The division crown earned the Saints their second-consecutive playoff berth.

Unfortunately, the Saints, playing with an injury-riddled secondary, fell to the Falcons, 27-20, in the opening round of the playoffs.

Below, the Saints celebrate in the locker room after the win over the Cardinals that many Saints fans, who suffered for a quarter of a century, will likely never forget:

Below, take a look back at the Saints' 1991 championship season: