The Saints were in danger of going 0-4 in the final minutes against the San Diego Chargers, but Drew Brees led the way for this team to one of his classic comebacks and were able to win 35-34.
The Saints got started strong with an eleven play opening drive that ended with Mark Ingram walking into the endzone from one yard out to take the early lead.
The Chargers did tie things up late in the first quarter with a nice 20-yard pass from Philip Rivers to Hunter Henry, who filled in for the injured Antonio Gates. It looked like a shootout was brewing though as the Saints took the lead right back with a long drive that ended with a pass to the fullback John Kuhn.
On the next drive, Rivers found Dontrelle Inman to tie things up with a 57-yard pass. After intercepting a pass intended for Brandon Coleman, the Saints defense forced them to settle for three points from the leg of Josh Lambo. However, the Chargers would make it 24-14 before the half with a short run from Melvin Gordon.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Saints cut the lead down to three points with another touchdown for Kuhn from one-yard out. The Chargers would take the lead back after a lengthy drive that started in the third quarter ended with another Gordon touchdown. Brees would throw another pick on the next drive and the defense would do their job again forcing the Chargers to settle for three points to make it 34-21.
Melvin Gordon would fumble right after the defense forced a punt and the Saints would capitalize on the opportunity with Brees connecting with rookie Michael Thomas to make it 34-28. On the ensuing drive another fumble, this time from wide receiver Benjamin was recovered by the Saints and would end with another run from Kuhn to take the one-point lead with 1:57 remaining.
The much-maligned secondary would show up in a big way in the final seconds with an interception from B.W. Webb would put the game away.
The Saints (1-3) will have next week off and have the Carolina Panthers (1-3) at home on October 16th with kickoff set for noon.
-Clint Domingue