Overseas trip pays off for Saints
A trans-Atlantic trip was just what Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints needed to get their season back on track.
Brees went 30-of-41 for 339 yards and three touchdown passes against his former team, leading the Saints to a 37-32 win over San Diego on Sunday at London's Wembley Stadium.
The Saints (4-4) held off a late comeback by the Chargers (3-5), who came from 37-20 down early in the fourth quarter and were driving for the tying touchdown. But linebacker Jonathan Vilma picked off a pass by Philip Rivers with just over a minute to go.
In Jacksonville, Fla., the Browns had just enough offense, even without Kellen Winslow. Jamal Lewis ran for 81 yards and a touchdown and Derek Anderson completed three huge passes.
In San Francisco, fullback Leonard Weaver made two lengthy touchdown catches, Josh Wilson returned an interception 75 yards for a TD and the Seahawks ruined Mike Singletary's debut.
In Houston, Kevin Walter scored two touchdowns against his former team, setting a career high by getting his fourth and fifth touchdowns of the year against Cincinnati (0-8).
In Miami, Ted Ginn had a breakout game with seven catches for a career-high 175 yards, and the Dolphins overcame a nine-point third-quarter deficit.
In Irving, Texas, Brad Johnson made up for several missed chances at touchdowns by throwing one to newcomer Roy Williams at the end of a drive sustained by four defensive penalties.
Jake Delhomme threw for 248 yards and two scores, including a go-ahead 65-yard strike to Steve Smith. The Panthers (6-2, 5-0 at home) rallied from a 17-3 third-quarter deficit despite Warner's big day.
In Foxborough, Mass., the Patriots (5-2) got by the Rams on a fingertip touchdown catch by Kevin Faulk. Their best pass-catching running back hung onto Matt Cassel's 15-yard pass on the left edge of the end zone with 3:19 remaining.
In Philadelphia, Brian Westbrook returned to his All-Pro form and rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns as part of a dynamic all-around effort.
In Detroit, Santana Moss had a go-ahead touchdown reception in the third quarter and returned a punt for another score in the fourth.
In East Rutherford, N.J. — Brett Favre connected with Laveranues Coles for a 15-yard touchdown pass with 1 minute left. The heavily favored Jets (4-3) overcame three interceptions by Favre.
In Baltimore, the unquestionable highlight was a 43-yard pass from one Ravens quarterback to another. Baltimore (4-3) unveiled its own version of the single wing, inserting Troy Smith at quarterback and using starting quarterback Joe Flacco as the wide receiver on the left side.
