NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees rarely threw interceptions in 2018, and didn’t throw a single one in the red zone.
The New Orleans Saints quarterback had only five passes picked off last season. In fact, Brees had only two interceptions through his first 11 games last season, and it took seven weeks for him to throw his first pick.
The first interception for Brees in 2019, and in the red zone none the less, occurred in the first quarter of Monday night’s 30-28 win against the Houston Texans.
With a little more than three minutes remaining in the opening quarter, and the ball at the 11-yard line, Brees took the snap and rolled to his right while being pursued by JJ Watt. Brees attempted to dump off the ball to running back Latavius Murray but Houston defensive tackle Whitney Mercilus stepped in front of the pass and hauled it in for the interception.
That interception was Brees’ first red-zone interception since Week 4 of 2017.
Pride of Louisiana
If a parade through New Orleans didn’t let them know how much the city loves them, then the 70,000 fans inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome did on Monday night.
The East Bank Little League All-Stars, out of River Ridge, made history by becoming the first team from New Orleans to win both the United States and World championships at the Little League World Series.
Prior to Mondays’ game, the team watched the Saints go through walkthroughs, then were greeted on the field by Saints owner Gayle Benson and of course got a roaring cheer from the Saints crowd.
In the neighborhood
A slew of New Orleans Pelicans were spotted on the sideline giving their support for the Saints.
The group included a trio of rookies in No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, fellow lottery pick Jaxson Hayes (who was rocking a Cam Jordan No. 94 jersey), first-round pick Nickeil Alexander-Walker (wearing a Michael Thomas No. 13) and former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball — who was acquired in a trade earlier this year.
Cook Makes Debut
This past offseason, the Saints made it a priority to signing a top tight end in free agency, and did so by locking up Jared Cook who was coming off a record season with the Oakland Raiders.
Cook made his debut on Monday night and was targeted 3 times while catching 2 passes for 37 yards, including a pass from Brees for 31 yards.
Box Score Standouts
Brees completed 32-of-43 for 370 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception — Michael Thomas led all wide receivers with 10 receptions for 123 yards — Ted Ginn Jr. added 7 receptions for 101 yards — Kamara had 164 total yards.