Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Tom Brady completed 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards and the New England Patriots used a 28-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski in the final minute of regulation to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, 27-24, in the preseason opener for both teams at Gillette Stadium.
Laurence Maroney had 30 rushing yards and two TDs for New England, which captured the AFC East title last season but was bounced from the playoffs by the Ravens. Randy Moss saw action, catching two passes, including one for 23 yards.
Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees finished 9-for-13 for 55 yards through the air for New Orleans and Pierre Thomas gained 27 yards on eight carries to go along with 26 receiving yards. Reggie Bush added a rushing TD while tight end Jeremy Shockey posted 23 yards on three receptions.
Less than five minutes into the third quarter, Maroney crossed the goal line from the one-yard line, but Larry Beavers returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and brought the Saints within 24-14.
On the next New Orleans possession, Chris Ivory ran into the end zone from two yards out with 7:15 to play in the third quarter before a 23-yard Garrett Hartley chip shot with 2:40 to go in the fourth knotted the contest.
The Pats then marched down the field in the waning minutes and set up Gostkowski's game-winning field goal with 53 seconds to play.