The Early Years and Expansion Era (1967-1980)
The history of New Orleans Saints quarterbacks is a story of perseverance, disappointment, and occasional brilliance, mirroring the team's overall struggles in its early years. The Saints entered the NFL in 1967, and finding a franchise quarterback became an immediate, and often frustrating, priority. The initial years were a revolving door at the position, with a succession of signal-callers trying to lead the fledgling franchise. Many fans in New Orleans still remember the early struggles of the Saints as they searched for stability under center. — NFL Kicker Salary: 2024 Average & Factors
The inaugural season saw the Saints cycle through several quarterbacks, including Gary Cuozzo and Karl Kremser, neither of whom could provide consistent leadership or success. The team's early offenses often struggled, contributing to a dismal win-loss record, as finding a reliable quarterback was paramount. The expansion era was challenging for the Saints, and the quarterback position was no exception. The team struggled to find a consistent starter. Cuozzo and Kremser, along with others, battled for playing time. This lack of stability at the quarterback position was a major factor in the Saints' inability to establish themselves as a competitive team during this period. The team's offensive woes, compounded by a struggling defense, often put the team in a position to lose.
During this period, the Saints experimented with various quarterbacks, seeking a player who could become the face of the franchise. This led to the acquisition of Archie Manning in 1971, a pivotal moment in the team's history. Manning’s arrival brought a glimmer of hope to the struggling franchise. Though the Saints continued to struggle in terms of wins and losses, Manning's talent and charisma made him a beloved figure in New Orleans. He quickly became a fan favorite. His ability to extend plays and make improbable throws captivated fans. Even though he played on some of the worst teams in NFL history, Manning's performances became legendary. His resilience and leadership were a beacon of hope during a dark period for the franchise. The city of New Orleans embraced Manning as one of their own, despite the team's overall lack of success during his tenure.
Archie Manning’s impact on the Saints went beyond statistics. He brought a sense of dignity and excitement to the team. Manning demonstrated the kind of character that many fans admired. While winning remained elusive, Manning's performances provided moments of joy and pride for Saints fans. The team's struggles often overshadowed Manning's individual achievements, but his determination never wavered. He gave the fans something to cheer about, even when the team was losing. His ability to elevate the play of those around him was a testament to his leadership skills. He became an iconic figure in New Orleans sports history, and he laid the foundation for future success.
After Archie Manning's departure in 1982, the Saints entered another period of quarterback uncertainty. The team continued to search for a quarterback who could take them to the playoffs. The Saints experimented with various players, including Dave Wilson and Bobby Hebert. These quarterbacks had varying degrees of success. While none of them reached the heights of Manning, they kept the team competitive. The team made incremental improvements on the field. These were baby steps toward building a winning team. They provided glimpses of what the Saints could become. The post-Manning era was marked by a series of quarterbacks who tried to fill the void left by the team's former star. Each player brought his own strengths and weaknesses to the team. The team's fans hoped that each new quarterback would be the one to lead the team to a winning record. — Purse Essentials: A Guide To Curating Your Perfect Bag
Throughout these early years, the New Orleans Saints quarterbacks faced immense pressure, playing for a franchise that was struggling to find its footing. The team's lack of success often fell on the shoulders of the quarterbacks. They were frequently the focal point of the fans’ criticism. Even though the team's issues were broader than just the quarterback position, the search for a franchise quarterback remained a constant theme. The Saints organization sought a leader on the field. They wanted someone who could inspire the team and galvanize the fans. The early years of the Saints were a testament to the importance of the quarterback position. The search for a franchise quarterback defined much of the team's early history.
Notable Quarterbacks from the Early Years
- Archie Manning: The most recognizable name from this era. His individual talent and popularity transcended the team’s struggles. He provided moments of brilliance and hope during a difficult period for the franchise. His impact on the team was undeniable.
- Gary Cuozzo: One of the earliest quarterbacks for the Saints. He provided some stability in the team's early years, but struggled to consistently lead the team to victory. Cuozzo's performance showed some promise, but ultimately he was not the long-term solution.
- Bobby Hebert: He had a successful career. His performance elevated the team and took them to the playoffs.
The Bobby Hebert Era and the Rise of the Dome Patrol (1985-1992)
The Bobby Hebert era marked a turning point for the New Orleans Saints, as the team began to show signs of competitiveness and potential playoff contention. After the departure of Archie Manning, the Saints continued to search for a quarterback to lead the team. The arrival of Bobby Hebert in 1985 brought a new level of excitement to the team. Hebert provided a solid, reliable presence under center. He improved the team's fortunes. The Saints began to demonstrate the ability to compete with the top teams in the league. Hebert was a strong-armed quarterback who possessed a knack for making clutch throws. The combination of a strong defense and Hebert's steady play helped the Saints become a formidable opponent for many teams. His ability to stay poised under pressure was a defining characteristic. — Jaguars Vs Saints: Player Stats Breakdown
Hebert's tenure coincided with the emergence of the
