NEW ORLEANS – On a day proclaimed ‘LSU Football Day’ by Louisiana’s Secretary of the State, the New Orleans Saints had a big celebration of their own planned when they honored the 10-year anniversary of the Super Bowl team prior to the regular-season home finale inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
New Orleans followed that celebration with a 34-7 win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts.
Football fans in Louisiana are getting used to seeing records fall this season. The Saints continued that trend on Monday night.
Drew Brees took the field just two touchdowns shy of the NFL all-time passing touchdowns record. On his first touchdown pass of the night, he tied Tom Brady for second place on the list with 538 touchdowns. On the next drive, Brees tied Peyton Manning’s 539 touchdowns for first place on the list. The veteran QB also set the single-game completion percentage record, going 29-of-30 (96.7%).
New Orleans wide receiver Michael Thomas set the Saints single-season receptions mark when he caught his 126th pass in the second quarter. Thomas is on pace to break Marvin Harrison’s 2002 record of 143.
How It Happened:
The Saints won the toss and deferred to get the ball in the second half. Indy’s first drive stalled out on their 49-yard line, which resulted in a punt to the Saints 3-yard line. Colts were flagged for a hold and the second punt was blocked by Dwayne Washington and recovered by the Saints at the Indy 39-yard line.
The Saints moved the ball to the Indy 15-yard line and settle for a Wil Lutz field goal. Saints led 3-0.
Saints took their second possession 90-yards down the field in 12 plays, ending with a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide open Thomas. Saints led 10-0.
With that touchdown, Brees tied with Brady for second on the career list with 538 touchdowns. He needed only one more to pass Manning.
Saints drove 85 yards in 10 plays ending with Brees completing a 21-yard touchdown pass to Tre ‘Quan Smith. Saints held the lead 17-0.
The Saints drive 80 yards down the field in 10 plays and after an offensive pass interference negated a record-breaking touchdown, so New Orleans settled for a 21-yard Lutz field goal. Saints took a 20–0 lead into halftime.
The Saints opened the second half off with the ball on the 20-yard line. Brees then found Josh Hill for the record setting touchdown — a 5-yard pass in the third quarter.
With that score, the Saints led 27-0.
After the Colts turned the ball over on downs, the Saints took over on their own 49-yard line and promptly drove down the field ending when Brees finding Taysom Hill for a 29-yard touchdown. Saints then led 34-0.
The Colts got on the board late in the game when Jordan Wilkins walked it in from the New Orleans one-yard line to avoid a shutout.
Big Number: 541
Drew Brees threw four touchdowns and is now the NFL all-time passing touchdowns record holder with 541. He is two ahead of Manning and three ahead of Brady.
Player of the Game: Drew Brees
Brees threw four touchdowns for 309 yards on a new NFL-record 29-of-30 passing.
Next Up: 11-3 New Orleans will travel to Nashville to play the 8-6 Tennessee Titans, who are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.