Indianapolis - A bold call on special teams plus some hard running and rugged defense led the New Orleans Saints to a 27-21 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
It was the Saints' second consecutive victory and improves the team's record to 3-4 heading into next Sunday's game vs. the New York Giants at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Colts dropped to 3-4.
Coach Sean Payton's decision to execute a fake field goal in the first quarter sparked the Saints. On fourth-and-9 from the 26-yard line holder [Luke McCown" title="Kai Forbath" />
" title="Khiry Robinson" />! bulled in from a yard out for the score.
On the next play from scrimmage, rookie linebacker [Stephone Anthony! intercepted Colts quarterback Andrew Luck at the 23-yard line. The Saints cashed in on that turnover when Robinson scored from 6 yards out.
On the ensuing kickoff Colts returner Griff Whalen fumbled and Saints defensive back [Kyle Wilson" title="Drew Brees" />
" title="Michael Hoomanawanui" />! with a 16-yard scoring strike. Forbath's extra-point attempt missed. The Saints scored three touchdowns in fewer than five minutes.
Running back Mark Ingram had one of the best games of his career, carrying the ball 14 times for 143 yards and a 1-yard touchdown. Brees finished 28 of 44 for 255 yards with one TD and one interception. Brandin Cooks was the team's leading receiver with six catches for 81 yards.
The Saints defense dominated the Colts in the first half, holding them to 131 yards of offense as Luck was just 9 of 19 for 79 yards and two interceptions. Defensive end Cameron Jordan led the way with two first-half sacks, giving him five for the month.
Luck got on track in the second half as he hit receiver T.Y. Hilton with two long touchdown passes, the first for 87 yards and the second for 46 yards, and an 8-yard TD pass to Donte Moncrief. Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux had coverage on both TDs to Hilton but fell down on each one, allowing relatively easy catches by Hilton. Luck finished 23 of 44 for 333 yards and three TDs with two interceptions. He was sacked four times.
