Sunday 30 November 2014 21:47, UK
The New Orleans Saints boosted their hopes of reaching the NFL playoffs with a 35-32 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even though the win at Heinz Field improved the Saints’ record to only 5-7, it sent them to the top of the NFC South ahead of the Atlanta Falcons’ clash with the Arizona Cardinals later on Sunday.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees finished with 257 passing yards and five touchdowns as New Orleans ended a three-game losing streak. Kenny Stills tallied 162 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The Steelers dropped to 7-5 and suffered a setback in their challenge for the AFC North title as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger racked up 435 passing yards but also threw two interceptions.
The Steelers registered the only score of the first quarter courtesy of a 49-yard field goal from Shaun Suisham, who doubled Pittsburgh’s lead with a 31-yarder in the second quarter.
But the Saints then scored three straight touchdowns to take control of the contest and turn the deficit into a 21-6 lead early in the second half.
Brees found Benjamin Watson, Erik Lorig and Nick Toon for touchdown passes, the latter coming after Roethlisberger had thrown an interception deep in his own territory.
The Steelers hit back when Le’Veon Bell charged into the end zone from a yard out, but Brees then connected with Stills for a 69-yard touchdown pass to restore the 15-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
A third Suisham field goal did little to raise hopes of a comeback and the Saints put the result beyond doubt when Marques Colston made a leaping catch from Brees in the end zone.
Roethlisberger did find Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown for two consolation touchdowns to add some respectability to the scoreline.
