Tom Brady bounces back and destroys Saints : Score, recap, stats

Associated Press

If Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were suffering from a Super Bowl hangover, it looks as though a trip to New Orleans pulled the defending champions out of it.

The 40-year-old Brady hasn't often looked better in his long, illustrious career, providing an audible contingent of traveling Patriots fans who chanted their star QB's name ample reason to spend the rest of their Sunday celebrating on Bourdon Street.

Bouncing back with a vengeance from a season-opening loss, Brady threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter for the first time in his career, eclipsed 300 yards passing in the first half for only the second time, and New England scored 30 first-half points en route to a 36-20 victory over the winless Saints.

Brady's maiden Super Bowl triumph in the Superdome back in February 2002 is bound to be one of his fondest memories, but the 18-year veteran looked like a superior QB in his latest visit. He finished 30 of 39 for 447 yards without an interception -- at least not one that counted. Saints defenders caught Brady's passes twice, but both plays were wiped out by New Orleans penalties. Brady joined Warren Moon as the only QBs age 40 or older in NFL history to pass for at least 400 yards and 3 TDs in a game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Rob Gronkowski had a 53-yard catch and run to highlight his six-catch, 116-yard performance, but left the game in the second half with a groin injury.

Preview

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have had a long time to ponder their loss to Kansas City in Week 1. The chance to think long and hard about what went wrong could serve as motivation when the defending Super Bowl champs take on the New Orleans Saints in what is expected to be a high-scoring game on Sunday (10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, KOIN-6, CBS, DirecTV).

You can watch the live stream on the NFL's mobile app or DirecTV's NFL app. If the NFL Network is part of your cable package, you can also live stream the game through the NFL app on XBox, Apple TV, or Roku device on your TV.

The Patriots (0-1) were embarrassed by Kansas City in Week 1. Brady was ineffective and often off-target, completing 16-of-36 passes (44 percent) for 267 yards with no touchdowns. The defense gave up 537 yards to Kansas City, the most be a Patriots team under coach Bill Belichick.

The Patriots have had 10 days to think about their performance and there's little doubt they will play better against the Saints. But will it be enough? Their defense is suspect. Brady and his receivers are still working out the kinks. The Patriots may be without slot receiver Danny Amendola, who suffered a concussion in the game.

The Saints (0-1) not only have to deal with their usual issues on defense, but more worrisome is the offense sputtered against the Vikings. The usually high-scoring unit managed just four field goals before scoring a touchdown late in the game. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 297 yards and a touchdown, but he never looked in rhythm and seemed to miss departed wide receiver Brandin Cooks (now with the Patriots) and Willie Snead, who has been suspended the first three games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the game, or follow along as we bring you the latest score, live updates, photos and video highlights in the comments section below.

What: New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints

When: Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TV: KOIN-6, CBS, DirecTV

Watch online: You can watch the live stream on the NFL's mobile app or DirecTV's NFL app. If the NFL Network is part of your cable package, you can also live stream the game through the NFL app on XBox, Apple TV, or Roku device on your TV.

Local players to watch: New England - WR Brandin Cooks (Oregon State), S Patrick Chung (Oregon), P Ryan Allen (West Salem High School), TE Jacob Hollister (Mt. View High School). New Orleans - C Max Unger (Oregon).

Follow along as we bring you live updates and analysis from the game from kickoff through the final whistle in the comments section below. Have thoughts on how the Patriots and Saints are performing? Don't hesitate to jump in on the live updates and chat with us as the game rolls along.

-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold

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