NEW ORLEANS (WWL.com) -- The New Orleans Saints knocked off the last remaining unbeaten team, beating the Los Angeles Rams, 45-35, on Sunday.
After a tame-by-his-standards performance against the Minnesota Vikings, Drew Brees lit the Rams up. He passed for 346 yards and 4 touchdowns while completing 69.4 percent of his passes.
Brees also had a season high 18 yards rushing. Many Saints fans probably were a little nervous seeing Brees diving headfirst. But the Saints quarterback knew what he was doing.
"The rule is that once you hit the ground, it's a dead ball," Brees told Zach Strief. "I knew that. Therefore, the extra effort was needed. Every inch counted in this game."
The Saints had an 18-point halftime lead, but the Rams dominated most of the second half. Los Angeles tied things up with just under 10 minutes left in the game, and that was the spark the Black and Gold needed. They scored the game's final 10 points.
"We found different ways to win," Brees said. "What I love about this game is that we jump up 35-14. I don't think the first half could've gone any better than it did, despite our turnover that didn't result in any points for them. We were able to get a turnover and then get seven points right before half. That was huge. Huge.
"Fourth quarter comes around, and they tie it up. But really, no panic on the sideline. We knew, offensively, we have to go down and get points."
Brees also credited the crowd and the Domefield advantage for helping the Saints retake the lead in the final quarter. Another huge part of the win was wide receiver Michael Thomas. The former first-round pick set a franchise record with 211 receiving yards, easily surpassing Brandin Cooks's former record of 186 yards. Brees had nothing but praise for Thomas.
"Mike is tough to cover," Brees said. "He is such a physical guy, and he's just so darn competitive. He's going to get open. He always gives you a place to throw the ball."
