Saints hang a franchise record 62 points on Colts in our countdown to kickoff

The New Orleans Saints have their first game of the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals in 62 days. The countdown to kickoff continues with the most dominant victory in franchise history. Drew Brees led the Saints to 62 points against the Indianapolis Colts in 2011, a franchise record.

The matchup was completely lopsided. The Colts ended the game with just seven points. The Saints put one of their best teams in franchise history on the field in 2011, and Indianapolis was operating without Peyton Manning.

While defeating the Colts in their state isn't much to brag about, putting up 62 points in a game is ridiculous no matter the opponent. We didn't see a team score 60 points in the NFL again until the Dolphins hung 70 points on the Denver Broncos in 2023. Ironically, Sean Payton was on the opposite side of this piece of history.

Manning's injury means no Drew Brees vs. Peyton Manning in this Super Bowl rematch

This was the first time the Saints and Colts had played each other since Super Bowl 44. The game wasn't the same, however. When New Orleans and Indianapolis faced off in the Super Bowl, it was highlighted by a showdown between two of the best quarterbacks the game had to offer. Unfortunately, there was no repeat due to Manning missing the entire 2011 season due to a neck injury.

Instead of Drew Brees versus Peyton Manning in 2011, fans were treated to Drew Brees versus Curtis Painter. Each man showed up how you expected them to, and that's how you make it to a 62-7 final score.

To make matters worse, the game was on Sunday Night Football. At the time of scheduling, there was still hope Manning would play at some point that season. The situation spiraled out of control quickly right before the season. This all resulted in a dominant Saints victory.