NEW ORLEANS — Kurt Warner's pass had just been intercepted, and the Arizona quarterback charged over to help make the tackle. Before he had a chance, he was flattened by a big defensive end.

It was quite an omen for a man already considering retirement.

"Every time you take a hit like that, it makes you think twice about playing this game," Warner said with a laugh. "But something like that, or even this game, will not be the determining factor on my decision."

A week after one of his finest performances, Warner was no match for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in their divisional playoff game Saturday night. Warner threw for 205 yards and no touchdowns in the Cardinals' 45-14 loss.

Now he'll have to decide whether to return next season or call it a career. Warner missed a game with a concussion earlier this season, and there's been widespread speculation that the 38-year-old is about to retire.

"Obviously, as I've said a million times, I've thought about it a lot and have over the last couple years," Warner said. "I have some ideas in my head, but again, you want to get away from the season for a minute and make sure everything you're feeling stays that way."

Warner was hurt again against the Saints, leaving in the second quarter with a chest injury after he was intercepted by Will Smith and hit by 260-pound Bobby McCray.