The New Orleans Saints lost the opening coin toss to the Atlanta Falcons, who differed to receive the ball to the second half. New Orleans responded with a scoring drive capped off by a 28-yard touchdown to wide receiver Tommylee Lewis, activated from injured reserve just 24 hours beforehand.
Things got weird from there. Atlanta drove downfield, drawing up just short of the goal-line when Saints safety Marcus Williams burst through the protection on a blitz, stripping the ball from quarterback Matt Ryan for a turnover.
Just moments later, the Falcons responded with their own turnover. An awry pass from Brees combined with some uncalled defensive holding on wideout Keith Kirkwood turned into an interception, initially feared to be returned for a score – but safety Damontae Kazee was ruled down at the point of the catch.