At halftime of the exhibition opener, the New England Patriots lead the New Orleans Saints 17-7

After falling behind 10-0, the Saints got on the board in the second quarter, when they concluded a 20 play, 86 yard drive that continued from the first period, with a  two-yard touchdown run by RB Reggie Bush.

Following the touchdown, the Patriots would get back on the board and extend their lead to 17-7 on a 10 play, 79 yard drive where New England RB Laurence Maroney had a five-yard scoring run.

With Drew Brees and the starting offense now exiting the contest, Patrick Ramsey took the field for the first time in a game for New Orleans with the second unit. New Orleans got two first downs on the drive before it stalled past midfield and they were forced to punt.

When New England got the ball back, The Saints held the Patriots to only one first down on the drive and forced them to punt. New Orleans was unable to advance into Patriots territory and was forced to punt, leaving the Patriots only one play for a kneel down.

Overall in the first half, New England outgained the Saints 189-135. In a quarter and a half of action, QB Drew Brees completed 9-of-13 passes for 55 yards. Bush and RB Pierre Thomas combined for 44 yards rushing, while Thomas also leads the club in receiving through halftime with four receptions for 26 yards. Defensively, LB Jonathan Casillas leads New Orleans with six solo tackles.