John Kasay's 46-year field goal midway through the first quarter was the only offense in the first half as the New Orleans Saints took a 3-0 lead over the New England Patriots into halftime of the Pats' preseason opener on Thursday Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.
Stephen Gostkowski nearly tied the game at the end of the second quarter, but his 53-yard field goal attempt was wide left with one second left before the intermission.
Kasay's field goal came at the 8:35 mark in the opening quarter, closing out a four-play, six yard drive for New Orleans. The Saints got the ball after Will Smith sacked Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who fumbled and turned the ball over.
Brady completed 4-of-7 passes in the first quarter for 30 yards. Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett took the snaps after Brady departed midway through the first, and Hoyer threw for 18 yards on 4-of-6 passing while Mallett complete 7-of-14 passes for 85 yards, but did throw an interception in the second quarter.
Stevan Ridley had eight carries for 40 yards and Julian Edelman had four catches for 36 yards.
Drew Brees completed just 1-of-4 passes for four yards in his limited first-quarter action. Chase Daniel completed 4-of-6 passes for 62 yards, but threw an interception. Sean Canfield threw for 45 yards on 6-of-8 passing and was also picked off once.
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