In November of the 2001 season, the Patriots were at a crossroads. The team sat at 5-5 and faced a continuing quarterback controversy following the return to health of Drew Bledsoe. The opponent that week: the New Orleans Saints. The Patriots won in convincing fashion, launching a nine-game winning streak that culminated in the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.
In the Belichick-Brady era, the Patriots have faced the Saints in four regular season games. New England is 3-1 over that span. Tom Brady has started all four of the games, facing Aaron Brooks twice, and Drew Brees twice.