in 2000. He started in the New Orleans Saints' season-opener against the Detroit Lions and collected a season-high ten combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in their 14–10 loss. Knight intercepted a pass by Lions quarterback Stoney Case, that was originally intended for tight end David Sloan, and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown in the first quarter. On November 3, 2000, Knight made four combined tackles, forced a fumble, and made his first career sack in the Saints' 20–10 win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11. Knight had a strip/sack on Panthers' quarterback Steve Beuerlein and it was recovered and returned for a 90-yard touchdown by teammate Keith Mitchell in the third quarter. In Week 16, he recorded seven combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown as the Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23–7. Knight intercepted a pass by Falcons'quarterback Doug Johnson and returned it for a 31-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Knight started in all 16 games in 2000 and recorded 100 combined tackles, five interceptions, two sacks, two touchdowns. The New Orleans Saints finished first in the NFC West with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On December 30, 2000, Knight started in his first career playoff game and recorded five combined tackles and made two interceptions during the Saints' 31–28 win against the St. Louis Rams in the NFC Wildcard Game. Knight intercepted two pass attempts by Rams' quarterback Kurt Warner. The following week, he made four combined tackles as the Saints lost 34–16 at the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Round. 2001 Knight returned as the starting strong safety in 2001 and started alongside free safety Jay Bellamy and cornerbacks Kevin Mathis and Fred Thomas. He started in the New Orleans Saints' season-opener at the Buffalo Bills and recorded three combined tackles, deflected three passes, and made a career-high three interceptions in their 24–6 victory. Knight made three interceptions off pass attempts by Bills' quarterback Rob Johnson. On October 28, 2001, Knight made eight combined tackles, broke up two passes, made a sack, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Kurt Warner during a 34–31 victory at the St. Louis Rams in Week 7. In Week 15, he collected a career-high 17 combined tackles (12 solo) and deflected a pass in the Saints' 43–21 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started in a 16 games