Third-quarter update:The New Orleans Saints got a little bit of a running game going as they expanded their lead with a 31-yard Garrett Hartley field goal and are up 17-7 over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Saints' defense continued its strong play by forcing the Cardinals to punt on every possession in the period.
Key stats: Saints, Drew Brees, 24 of 37 for 288 yards, 2 TDs and one interception; Jimmy Graham, seven catches for 108 yards; Cardinals: Carson Palmer, 13 of 27 for 112 yards; Larry Fitzgerald, three catches for 29 yards.