The Dome Patrol was the linebacker corps of the National Football League's New Orleans Saints during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
[1] He was the first member of the unit; he played five seasons and was invited to three Pro Bowls before the Dome Patrol was formed.
[10] The Saints ranked fourth in points allowed per game in 1988 and went 10–6, but missed the playoffs after finishing third in a strong NFC West division.
[14] In week three of the season, the Saints defense held the Los Angeles Rams to 120 yards and six first downs, and recorded five sacks in a 24–7 win.
[17] Swilling was the first to leave the Saints after the 1992 season, in a trade to the Detroit Lions, followed by Jackson and Johnson in 1993 and Mills in 1994.
[22] Sam Mills later signed with the Carolina Panthers, with whom he earned a Pro Bowl trip and two All-Pro selections, and later was an assistant coach with the team.
[25] Swilling played six more seasons in the NFL after leaving the Saints, and made a Pro Bowl trip with the Lions in 1993.