Bengals Lose, 20-13, but Win the First Pick in the Draft

Eric Martin saved the New Orleans Saints from a losing season with a 54-yard touchdown reception in a 20-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals (3-13) finished with the worst record in the league, which gives them the rights to the No. 1 pick in the next draft.

“I think you have to note that progress was made,” Bengal Coach David Shula said. “The guys got better.”

The victory ended a four-game losing streak for the Saints, who started the year 5-0 before slumping badly to finish 8-8. They are one of only three teams since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 not to make the playoffs after starting 5-0 or better.

It also left them as one of three teams that have not had a losing season in the last eight years. The others are San Francisco and Houston.

“We didn’t lose and I’m glad about that, but I can’t begin to explain what happened to the great year we started out with,” cornerback Toi Cook said. “This has been a year of what-ifs and disappointments.”

The Saints are still the only NFL team without a playoff victory.

Martin had five receptions for 120 yards and the touchdown with 11:06 to play. On the game-winner, Martin took a short pass from Walsh and ran to the end zone.

Walsh, the third-string quarterback since training camp, started for New Orleans. First-stringer Wade Wilson was injured two games ago. Backup Mike Buck started last week against the Eagles, but was pulled at the half.

Walsh completed 15 of 27 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns and had one interception.