Brees leads Saints over
Chargers 37-32 in London Shootout
After last year’s low-scoring mudfest, the NFL was hoping for
some offensive fireworks this time at Wembley Stadium.
New Orleans and San Diego delivered.
Drew Brees went 30-for-41 for 339 yards and three touchdown passes against his
former team to lead the Saints to a 37-32 win over the Chargers, putting New
Orleans back at .500 and dropping San Diego to 3-5.
The Saints (4-4) held off a late comeback by the Chargers, who came from 37-20
down early in the fourth quarter and were driving for the tying touchdown when
linebacker Jonathan Vilma picked off a pass by Philip Rivers with just over a
minute to go. Brees took a safety in the final seconds to complete the scoring.
Last year, the New York Giants slogged to a 13-10 win over the Miami Dolphins in
London on a rain-soaked field. This time, 83,226 fans at England’s showcase
venue witnessed high-scoring, offensive football at its best—with a furious
finish to boot.
The game turned into a shootout between Brees and Rivers, his former backup in
San Diego, as both teams had more than 400 yards of offense...more
Scoring Summary
SD - NO
1st Quarter
6:34
NO
FG
Taylor Mehlhaff kicked a 23-yard field goal
0 - 3
3:30
SD
FG
Nate Kaeding kicked a 33-yard field goal
3 - 3
2nd Quarter
11:02
NO
TD
Drew Brees passed to Devery Henderson to the left for 12
yard gain (Taylor Mehlhaff missed PAT)
3 - 9
8:52
NO
TD
Deuce McAllister rushed to the left for 1 yard gain
(Taylor Mehlhaff made PAT)
3 - 16
5:35
SD
TD
Philip Rivers passed to LaDainian Tomlinson down the
middle for 12 yard gain (Nate Kaeding made PAT)
10 - 16
3:29
NO
TD
Drew Brees passed to Lance Moore to the left for 30 yard
gain (Taylor Mehlhaff made PAT)
10 - 23
1:08
SD
TD
Philip Rivers passed to Antonio Gates to the right for
12 yard gain (Nate Kaeding made PAT)
17 - 23
3rd Quarter
10:15
NO
TD
Drew Brees passed to Mark Campbell to the right for 1
yard gain (Taylor Mehlhaff made PAT)
17 - 30
3:25
SD
FG
Nate Kaeding kicked a 24-yard field goal
20 - 30
4th Quarter
14:49
NO
TD
Mike Karney rushed to the left for 1 yard gain (Taylor
Mehlhaff made PAT)
20 - 37
9:35
SD
FG
Nate Kaeding kicked a 31-yard field goal
23 - 37
7:21
SD
TD
Philip Rivers passed to Vincent Jackson to the right for
14 yard gain (Nate Kaeding made PAT)
30 - 37
0:08
SD
SY
Drew Brees rushed up the middle for 26 yard loss. Drew
Brees fumbled. Safety
32 - 37
Team Statistics
SD
NO
First Downs
22
25
Passing
18
14
Rushing
3
7
Penalty
1
4
Third Down Efficiency
5-12
4-11
Fourth Down Efficiency
1-1
2-3
TOTAL NET YARDS
451
409
Total Plays
62
67
Average Gain Per Play
7.3
6.1
NET YARDS RUSHING
110
70
Rushes
22
26
Average Per Rush
5.0
2.7
NET YARDS PASSING
341
339
Completions-Attempts
25-40
30-41
Yards Per Pass Play
8.5
8.3
Times Sacked
0
0
Yards Lost to Sacks
0
0
Had Intercepted
1
0
PUNTS
2
3
Average Punt
48.0
42.0
PENALTIES
14
6
Penalty Yards
134
60
FUMBLES
1
2
Fumbles Lost
1
0
TIME OF POSSESSION
29:10
30:50
Pregame Previews, Storylines,
and News
New Page 1
Preview:
The New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers each had high
expectations heading into this season, but both teams are playing sub-.500
football. The Saints may have a tougher time getting their season on track,
though, as star running back Reggie Bush is injured and they're losing a home
date on their schedule to serve as the designated hosts in Sunday's matchup
against the Chargers in London. New Orleans and San Diego both look to bounce
back from discouraging losses and avoid the distractions of playing overseas
when they meet at Wembley Stadium...more
Pick:
There is no home team in this London, England
showcase but San Diego is 1-3 on the road, which should give New Orleans all the
edge they need. Saints 30 - Chargers 27
Notable:
He struggled last week against Panthers but Drew
Brees should enjoy his day versus the worst pass defense in the NFL
The last game in England was a downright
hideous, 13-10 Giants win over the Dolphins in the mud. The Chargers and
Saints should give our friends across the pond something a little more
entertaining in Drew Brees' first start vs. his former team
Both teams can pass; neither team has
been good at covering. If they love 1-0 games of that other football in
the U.K., who knows just how excited the hoodlums will get when 50-plus
points go on the board.
The Saints need Drew Brees to handle
the wind and possible rain. If he has no interceptions the Saints get
the edge
10.8
13.9