Glendale, Ariz. - The New Orleans Saints used a pair of touchdown passes to Brandin Cooks to take a 24-20 halftime lead over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday.
The first score - a 65-yard bomb - came two plays after a Drew Brees fumbled was returned 53 yards by Calais Campbell for an Arizona touchdown (extra-point attempt missed). On the next possession Brees hit Cooks on a 45-yard touchdown pass.
The Saints fell behind 7-0 but rallied behind a 37-yard Wil Lutz field goal and a 10-yard Travaris Cadet touchdown reception.
The Cadet touchdown was set up when defensive end Paul Kruger forced a Larry Fitzgerald fumble that Craig Robertson recovered. Cam Jordan also had a big sack in the half for the Saints.
The Cardinals other touchdowns came on a 49-yard touchdown run by Kerwyn Williams and a 10-yard pass from Carson Palmer to J.J. Nelson.
Saints stat leaders
Drew Brees, 16 of 20 for 188 yards and three TDs
Mark Ingram, eight carries for 46 yards
Brandin Cooks, four catches for 127 yards and one TD
Cardinals stat leaders
Carson Palmer, 15 of 22 for 140 yards and one TD
Kerwyn Williams, two carries for 49 yards with one TD
Larry Fitzgerald, four catches for 26 yards
