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First-quarter update:** The New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals battled to a 7-7 tie Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Cardinals took their opening possession 80 yards in 11 plays, scoring on Alfonso Smith's 3-yard TD run. The Saints struck right back as Drew Brees hit receiver Robert Meachem with a 27-yard TD strike. It was Meachem's first TD since re-joining the team earlier this month.
Key stats: Saints, Drew Brees, 9 of 10 for 117 yards and 1 TD; Robert Meachem, one catch for 27 yards, one TD. Cardinals, Carson Palmer, 6 of 7 for 63 yards; Larry Fitzgerald, one catch for 16 yards.
