Third quarter update: The New Orleans Saints tacked on an 8-yard Pierre Thomas touchdown run in the period Sunday to take a 35-17 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Bucs scored on a 54-yard Rian Lindell field goal.
Key stats: Saints, Drew Brees, 22 of 28 for 376 yards and four TDs, Jimmy Graham, four catches for 68 yards and a TD. Bucs, Mike Glennon, 19 of 29 for 199 yards with two TDs and one interception.