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It certainly hasn't been their best half of football for the New Orleans Saints, who currently trail the New England Patriots by a score of 17-7 in Gillette Stadium.
The defense has been playing decent, sacking Tom Brady 5 times, but getting worn out by the Patriots no-huddle offense and allowing two rushing touchdowns by Stevan Ridley.
On offense, the Saints have sputtered. Jimmy Graham has been completely neutralized by Aqib Talib and Marques Colston has been non-existent. Both have been held without a catch.
The Saints will start the second half with the ball.
Team Stats
| NO | NE | ||
| First Downs | 6 | 18 | |
| Total Yards | 130 | 232 | |
| Passing Yards | 111 | 135 | |
| Rushing Yards | 19 | 97 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 5(31) | 1(5) | |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 4(46) | 2(48) | |
| Time of Pos. | 11:16 | 18:40 |
Top Performers
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 9/19 | 111 | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 4 | 11 | 0 | 6 |
| P. Thomas | 2 | 8 | 0 | 5 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 4 | 31 | 0 | 14 |
| P. Thomas | 1 | 29 | 0 | 29 |
| B. Watson | 1 | 25 | 0 | 25 |
| NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| T. Brady | 16/22 | 163 | 0 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| S. Ridley | 11 | 61 | 2 | 19 |
| T. Brady | 2 | 16 | 0 | 11 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| A. Dobson | 5 | 57 | 0 | 20 |
| M. Hoomanawanui | 3 | 53 | 0 | 19 |
| J. Edelman | 3 | 27 | 0 | 15 |