:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47762457/usa-today-8961581.0.jpg)
The Saints got off to a terrible start on both sides of the ball, allowing the Texans to score back-to-back touchdowns on their first two drives. At the same time, the Saints offense was forced to punt on their first four drives. But both units eventually settled in as the Saints were able to cut the Texans lead to 14-6 before the end of the first half.
Saints kicker Khai Forbath has all 6 of the Saints points so far. Ryan Griffin and Cecil Shorts III have the two Texans touchdowns. Jairus Byrd has his first interception of his Saints career.
Here are your first half stats from the game:
Team Stats
| NO | HOU | ||
| First Downs | 5 | 12 | |
| Total Yards | 120 | 192 | |
| Passing Yards | 95 | 112 | |
| Rushing Yards | 25 | 80 | |
| Penalties (Yds) | 5(41) | 2(15) | |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 | |
| Punts (AVG) | 4(41) | 2(32) | |
| Time of Pos. | 11:41 | 18:19 |
Top Performers
| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 13/23 | 95 | 0 | 0 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Ingram | 4 | 27 | 0 | 29 |
| C. Spiller | 1 | -2 | 0 | -2 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| B. Cooks | 4 | 28 | 0 | 11 |
| W. Snead | 2 | 29 | 0 | 24 |
| M. Ingram | 2 | 15 | 0 | 17 |
| HOUSTON TEXANS | ||||
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| B. Hoyer | 15/18 | 112 | 2 | 1 |
| Rushing | CAR | YDS | TD | LG |
| A. Blue | 5 | 26 | 0 | 11 |
| J. Grimes | 6 | 21 | 0 | 7 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Hopkins | 4 | 29 | 0 | 13 |
| R. Griffin | 3 | 35 | 1 | 21 |
| C. Shorts | 3 | 18 | 1 | 8 |