The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers combined for a scintillating first half of football Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with the 49ers taking a 28-27 lead.

After winning the coin toss, San Francisco elected to defer and put the ball in the hands of Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Brees, who completed 15-of-18 passes for 179 yards and four total touchdowns, marched down the field, connecting with tight end Jared Cook on a 38-yard touchdown strike.

Cook caught two passes in the first half, both for touchdowns, totaling 64 yards. He was knocked out of the game while making his second touchdown reception as 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon hit him in the head with his shoulder. Brees threw his third touchdown pass of the half in the second quarter, hitting tight end Josh Hill with a 3-yard pass. Brees also scored on a 1-yard dive over the top of the line.

Brees moved into a tie for second all-time in passing touchdowns with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at 535. Brees is just four touchdown passes behind Peyton Manning.

San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was fantastic, completing 11-of-12 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. 49ers running back Raheem Mostert has six carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. At one point in the half the 49ers (10-2) were averaging 16 yards a play and finished with 319 yards of offense. The 49ers get the ball to start the second half.

For complete stats go here.