After a slow start the New Orleans Saints erupted for three second quarter touchdowns and a 28-21 halftime lead over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

After the Rams had taken a 14-7 lead at the start of the second quarter the Saints scored three consecutive touchdowns. The Saints scored on a 10-yard Mark Ingram run, a 1-yard dive from quarterback Drew Brees and a 6-yard Brees pass to Michael Thomas.

The second touchdown was set up by a sack-fumble by Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff. Saints defensive end Paul Kruger recovered it at the 10-yard line.

The Rams' second touchdown was set up by a similar defensive play as Aaron Donald got the sack-forced fumble on Brees with the Rams recovering on the 6-yard line. They scored on the next play on a 6-yard scoring pass from Goff to Kenny Britt. Goff, the No. 1 overall draft pick in this year's draft, is making his second start and had a strong performance with three first half TDs as he hit tight end Lance Kendricks with a 15-yard scoring pass with 55 seconds left in the half.

The Saints (4-6), who are trying to end a two-game losing streak, will get the ball to start the second half.

Saints stat leaders

Drew Brees, 19 of 24 for 187 with one TD pass and one TD run

Mark Ingram, eight carries for 53 yards and a TD

Coby Fleener, four catches for 59 yards.

Rams stat leaders

Jared Goff, 12 of 20 for 167 yards and three TDs

Todd Gurley, eight carries for 37 yards

Tavon Austin, three catches for 40 yards and one TD