The New Orleans Saints jumped out to a commanding 20-0 first half lead over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Dec. 16 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Welcoming the Saints to the "Monday Night Football" stage were members the 2009 Super Bowl team who fired up fans by leading the pregame chant.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was nearly perfect in the first half, completing 20-of-21 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. With his second passing score of the first half, this one to Tre'Quan Smith, Brees tied Peyton Manning (539) for the most passing touchdowns in NFL history. Brees connected with wideout Michael Thomas nine times for 108 yards and one touchdown. Running back Alvin Kamara carried the ball nine times for 29 yards and caught three passes for 14 yards.

Thomas set the team's single-season receptions record in the half, he has 130 catches with 2.5 games still to play putting the NFL mark of 143 in his sights.

The Saints possessed the ball for 19:03 in the first half compared to the Colts 10:57. New Orleans scored their opening touchdown of the game on a 12 play, 90-yard drive.

The biggest play of the half came after the Colts were forced to re-punt on their opening possession of the game due to a holding penalty. The Saints Dwayne Washington blocked the ensuing punt attempt, setting up the Saints first offensive possession at the Colts' 33-yard line.

Starting in place of safetyVonn Bell , C.J. Gardner-Johnson tallied eight tackles. Linebacker Demario Davis played a key role in the pass game, notching two passes defensed.

For complete stats go here.