Saints Defeat Lions, 45-28, Reach NFC Divisional Round

Filed under Game Recap on January 7th, 2012

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Drew Brees had a big night passing, leading the way to a solid victory for the Saints over the Lions, 45-28 at home. With the victory, New Orleans advances to the NFC Divisional Round.

An outstanding game for Brees was topped off with 33 completions out of 43 attempts for 466 yards passing, three touchdowns and one fumble. Matthew Stafford kept the Lions in the game, going 28 of 43 with 380 yards passing, four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) and two picks.

Pierre Thomas was a focal point for the Saints, running at will on the Lions for 66 yards on eight carries with a touchdown in addition to six receptions for 55 yards. Jimmy Graham was a highlight, pulling in seven passes for 55 yards with a touchdown.

The New Orleans defense did not do a good job defending the pass, but managed to slow down the run game, allowing 32 yards rushing and 380 passing.

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson had a productive game with 211 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Lions Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A+	100	M. Stafford	28	43	380	3	2

Saints Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A+	100	D. Brees	33	43	459	3	0

Lions Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
C	73	K. Smith	RB	6	21	3.5	0
C	74	T. Young	WR	1	8	8.0	0
C	77	N. Burleson	WR	1	2	2.0	0

Saints Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	98	P. Thomas	RB	8	66	8.3	1
A	97	D. Sproles	RB	10	51	5.1	2
C	72	C. Ivory	RB	13	47	3.6	0

Lions Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	C. Johnson	WR	12	211	17.6	2
C	77	N. Burleson	WR	4	50	12.5	0
B-	81	B. Pettigrew	TE	4	49	12.3	0

Saints Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B+	90	M. Colston	WR	7	120	17.1	0
A+	98	R. Meachem	WR	4	111	27.8	1
B+	88	D. Henderson	WR	2	64	32.0	1