New Orleans downs Atlanta to remain unbeaten, equal franchise-best start

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans kept their perfect record intact as running back Pierre Thomas scored two touchdowns to lead the Saints to a 35-27 win over Atlanta yesterday.

QUARTERBACK DREW Brees of the New Orleans Saints throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter of their game at the Louisiana Superdome on Nov. 2 in New Orleans, Louisiana. — AFP

Drew Brees went 25-of-33 for 308 yards passing and Jabari Greer returned an interception for a score as the Saints improved to 7-0 and tied their record for the best start to a National Football League season.

The Saints extended their division lead over the Falcons to three games. The Falcons have four wins and three losses, including two straight defeats.

The last time the Saints won their first seven games of the season was in 1991.

The Saints defense was superb as Greer registered the club’s fifth interception for a touchdown this year which tied a team record set in 1998. Jonathan Vilma tipped a pass to Tracy Porter for another interception in the fourth. Porter caught the ball on New Orleans’ one-yard line with the Saints ahead 28-24.

Darren Sharper helped clinch the victory with another interception in the final seconds. It was his seventh interception of the season and the third one of the game thrown by Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.

Ryan threw for 289 yards and a touchdown and completed just 19-of-42 passes.

Michael Turner had 20 carries for 151 yards for Atlanta. -- AFP

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New Orleans downs Atlanta to remain unbeaten, equal franchise-best start