Saints vs. Patriots Rapid Recap

Oct 13, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) points out the New Orleans Saints defense during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

There was just no way Tom Brady was going two straight games without a touchdown pass.

With five seconds left, Brady found Kenbrell Thompkins in the corner of the end zone to give the New England Patriots a 30-27 win over the New Orleans Saints. It was Brady’s 28th fourth quarter comeback in his career.

After a game that is sure to challenge last week’s Broncos-Cowboys mega-shootout for game of the year status, both the Saints and Patriots are 5-1.

Even though neither Brady nor Drew Brees were at their best in this one, both had spectacular TD passes in the fourth quarter. Both defenses played better than could have been expected, as the Saints sacked Brady five times, and the Patriots held New Orleans to only seven first half points. Perhaps more impressively for the Patriots D, they held star TE Jimmy Graham without a catch, thank mostly to great coverage by Aqib Talib.

Somewhat surprisingly, both teams stuck with and found success running the ball. Stevan Ridley was back as the Patriots top back, and he had his first productive game of the season, scoring two TDs and rushing for 96 yards. The Saints got a solid effort from the committee of Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Khiry Robinson, who combined for over 100 yards on the ground.

Several Patriots sustained injuries in this game. Aqib Talib, Danny Amendola and Dan Connolly all left the game and did not return.

The Patriots visit the New York Jets next week, while the Saints are on a bye.