Wild finish brings Saints recognition but not a win

By By Richard Dark / EMG staff writer
Dec. 26, 2003
METAIRIE, La. Call it what you will, The River City Relay, The Exclamation without a Point, or the Immaculate Deception.
Whatever you choose to label the scintillating three-lateral, 75-yard touchdown by the New Orleans Saints last week, which also served to break fans hearts when the normally reliable place-kicker John Carney shanked the extra point, is the NFL Play of the Week.
What keeps this score, which has been shown on highlight reels dozens of times since Sunday's 20-19 Jaguar loss, from becoming one of the greatest of all time? Simple. The final outcome, a loss.
The Saints have argued to the league that the Jags should have been called for leverage. Earlier this week, Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio said the Saints "should worry more about shoring up their run defense."
Big Bad Bellamy
Safety Jay Bellamy quietly has sculpted one of the best seasons of his career. He had a career-high 18 tackles last week against the Jaguars, which is also the highest total for a Saints defender this season.
For the season, Bellamy leads the team with 110 tackles and has added an interception. His career-high for stops is the 111 he posted in his first year with New Orleans in 2001.
Numbers don't lie
82: The number of yards Deuce McAllister needs to break the Saints single-season rushing record held by George Rogers (1981). He also needs one more 100-yard rushing game to break Rogers record of nine in a season.
135: The number of games cornerback Ashley Ambrose has played in his career. The former Mississippi Valley State standout also collected his 40th career interception last week against the Jaguars.
2: The number of touchdown passes Aaron Brooks needs to become the first passer in club history to throw 25 touchdowns in three-straight seasons.
3: The number of consecutive games the Saints have blocked a field goal, the longest active streak in the league.
Injury update
Philadelphia native and Saints special teamer Fred McAfee will play against the Cowboys this week despite his ankle injury. He is listed as probable on the injury report. Those listed as questionable include: McAllister, Willie Whitehead (knee), linebackers Cie Grant (calf) and Orlando Ruff (back) and special teamer Michael Lewis (quad). Joe Horn is out with a separated shoulder.
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