JD's top 10 plays in Saints history.

Hartley's kick versus Tracey's pick of Farve-


IMHO there is no comparison, the kick is bigger by several factors. As great as the pick was (and certainly it should be a top 10 as well) it is always overstated... If Porter had outright dropped that ball or it would have otherwise been incompleted what would we had been looking at? A 55 or 56 yard attempt by Longwell... Now it's been a long time since Ive seen a breakdown but at one point NFL kickers historically made less than 20% of kicks attempted over 55 yards. The net effect would have likely been the same situation that played out. The true benefit to the Saints was really the penalty or the decision by Farve to throw in the first place.. Even if he runs there the Vikes would likely only have picked up 4-5 yards and been faced with a low percentage FG.

Hartley's kick was a culminating play that launched the New Orleans Saints into the Super Bowl. The collective heart, mind, soul, and spirit of a city, a region, a culture, and generations of long-suffering yet devout fanatics ebbed and flowed between two polar opposites (the most disappointing end to the most promising season of a franchise or the exaltation of going to the MF'ing Super Bowl!) in the 60 seconds or so between the timeout, reset, snap, hold, and kick. Some of the videos that show full bars and restaurants exploding at the moment that ball's inevitable arc was able to be determined are masterpieces for all time to the sport and region.

It's solidly number 2. There's no touching number 1, which should not only be considered the greatest play in Saints history but one of the top few in the history of the Super Bowl and very high in the absolute greatest in NFL history.