In addition to his fumble recovery that helped set up the winning touchdown, linebacker Nate Stupar posted a career-high eight tackles in his fifth career start. The Saints' lineup changes in defense included starting Vonn Bell over Jairus Byrd at free safety and moving Sterling Moore into the slot for B.W. Webb to play corner. All contributed with key plays down the stretch.
Drew Brees before the game emotionally told his teammates how he feared his career had ended with a shoulder injury suffered the last time he played at the Chargers home stadium 11 years ago, and Tony Hills at halftime passionately said it was time for players to decide they were done with losing.