First-quarter update: The New Orleans Saints marched 97 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Quarterback Drew Brees hit tight end Josh Hill with a 3-yard TD pass to end the 11-play drive. The big play on the drive was a 44-yard reception by Robert Meachem.
Key stats: Saints, Drew Brees, 10 of 13 for 82 yards and one TD; Pierre Thomas, four carries for 19 yards and three receptions for 17 yards. 49ers, Colin Kaepernick, 3 of 8 for 13 yards; Frank Gore, three carries for five yards.
