Things returned to normal as the Saints' defense gave up only 3 points and
the Saints offense scored enough to win the game.  A solid victory.

The early part of the game was punt-full, as the Lions put enough pressure
on Wade Wilson to thwart the Saints' passing game.  Eventually the 
Lions penetrated deep enough into Saints territory to kick a 41 yd FG
with about 10 minutes left in the second quarter.  The Saints responded
with a drive that resulted in a 17 yd TD reception by Hoby Brenner with
about 4 minutes left in the half.  Because Rodney Peete had blown two
timeouts earlier in the half, the Lions were unable to run a successful
2-minute drill.

The defense sparked the Saints in the second half as Rickey Jackson 
recovered a Rodney Peete fumble (forced by Rolando Turnbull) at the
Detroit 18.  The Saints capitalized on the turnover when Eric Martin
extended his consecutive-games-with-a-reception streak to 92 on a
12 yd TD catch.  Once again, a Peete fumble forced by Turnbull and 
recovered by Jackson gave the Saints great field position.  Unfortunately,
a blown blocking assignment resulted in a "hit QB/recover fumble" episode
for Detroit.  Andre Ware came in to replace the injured Peete, but 
couldn't move the team.  The Saints eventually ran out the clock by
letting Derek Brown pick up a bunch of first downs.

Notes:

* The Saints running game is still prospering.  Derrick Ned did a fine
  job as the emergency replacement FB, and Derek Brown looked super while
  amassing 121 yards on the ground.

* The Saints dominated the second half, in which Detroit had only 29 yards.

* James Williams played in place of Sam Mills, who was nursing an injured
  knee.  Williams did a good job.

* Pat Swilling played despite his father's death on Saturday.

* Mel Gray was a non-factor, as his day consisted mainly of touchbacks and
  fair catches.

* Rolando Turnbull has done an incredible job this year.  The Saints' deal
  with Detroit is looking better every week.


*******************************************************************************
Frank Serpas III