On September 17th, the Saints took the field for their first regular-season game in front of 80,879 fans at ancient Tulane Stadium. The Saints got things started with a bang as rookie running back John Gilliam returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.

The Saints would lose the inaugural game to the Los Angeles Rams 27-13. The Saints would not win their first game until November 5th when they beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 31-24, as Walt Roberts scored three touchdowns.

The Saints would wind up their first season with a 3-11 record.