Second-quarter update: The Saints erupted for 13 points in the period to go into halftime up 13-10 against the Falcons on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Saints' first score came on a 48-yard Garrett Hartley field goal after a 12-play, 50-yard drive.
After Jabari Greer forced a Julio Jones fumble that was recovered by Roman Harper, Saints QB Drew Brees hit Marques Colston with a 25-yard TD pass. The catch was the 533rd of Colston's career, setting the franchise record.
The Saints then marched quickly down the field thanks to a 67-yard strike from Brees to rookie Kenny Stills (the first catch of his career). The drive stalled thanks to back-to-back holding penalties but the Saints still got a 31-yard Hartley field goal.
Key stats: Saints, Drew Brees, 11 of 15, 174 yards, 1 TD; Marques Colston, 1 catch for 25 yards and TD; Kenny Stills, 1 catch for 67 yards; Falcons, Matt Ryan, 13 of 18 for 183 yards and a TD; Steven Jackson, seven carries for 20 yards and two catches for 19 yards. Harry Douglas, three receptions, 73 yards.
