Following one quarter, the New England Patriots lead the New Orleans Saints 10-0.

New Orleans took the field on offense for the first series of the game. After failing to convert a third down, the Saints were forced to punt and Patriots WR Julian Edelmanreturned a 49-yard punt 40 yards to the New Orleans 19-yard line. 

In their first defensive series, the Saints only allowed the Patriots to gain three yards, forcing New England to kick a 35-yard field goal.

The Saints were forced to punt again after their next offensive series. With Thomas Morstead having left the game, K Garrett Hartleybooted a 55-yard punt and following a penslaty, New England was pinned back at the New England 14-yard line.

 On their second defensive series, the Patriots moved down the field, keyed by two receptions for first downs by WR Randy Moss from QB Tom Brady that brought them to near midfield and then a 20-yard completion to rookie WR Brandon Tateto put them in the red zone. Four plays later Patriots RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis punched in a four-yard touchdown to give New England a 10- lead.

The Saints then got the ball back and the starting offense finally found a rhythm as they converted their first three first downs of the game as Drew Brees completed three-of-three passes, mixing things up with three runs by RBs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas.