Superb Run Game Highlight 38-14 Victory Over Texans As Saints Roll To 2-0

In a welcome change of pace it’s the Saints run game in the spotlight during a 38-14 bashing of the Texans at Reliant Stadium, highlighted by fourth year running back Mike Bell.

Bell ran all over the Texans first-string defense posting 100 yards on 10 carries including a 46 yard touchdown down run in the second quarter.

Bell is certainly a lock for the third running back spot behind starters Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas after an impressive camp and the phenomenal performance in tonight’s game.

Rookie runner’s Herb Donaldson and P. J. Hill both added a little spark to the Saints run game with touchdown runs of their own.

Donaldson, in limited action, ran in a 14 yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter after a holding call negated his original touchdown run from the two yard line, he ended with 16 yards on two carries.

Hill meanwhile managed 26 yards on 8 carries, punching in a two yard touchdown, setup by a 47 yard completion to wide receiver Adrian Arrington.

Combined the Saints totaled 174 yards on 29 carries with three touchdowns for a six yard per carry average, New Orleans out gained Houston 420 yards to 325.

The Good:

• Drew Brees was 9 of 14 for 87 yards and one touchdown.
• Mark Brunell was 5 of 6 for 96 yards.
• Adrian Arrington had three catches for 77 yards with a long of 47 yards.
• Colston made several nice catches to total 66 yards.
• The Defense forced four turnovers, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
• Former Arena League wide receiver Rod Harper returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown

The Bad:

• The first string defense allowed Houston QB Matt Schaub to throw for 97 yards and a touchdown while letting Slaton average over five yards a carry.
• Backup QB Joey Harrington was a dismal 8 of 15 for 69 yards, stalling the offense on virtually every drive.
• Kicker Garrett Hartley was 1 of 2 on field goals, missing a 32 yard attempt in the second quarter.
• Rookie CB Malcolm Jenkins was beat for a 23 yard touchdown by Texan WR Andre Davis.

The Ugly:

• The Saints were penalized eleven times for 120 yards.
• FS Darren Sharper was taken off the field for X-Rays in the second quarter, no further details were given.
• Backup left tackle Jermon Bushrod, filling in for the injured Jammal Brown, gave up a horrible sack on Brees while being called for several false start penalties.

For the complete breakdown of the Saints – Texans game visit this link to the game center on NFL.com.

New Orleans will square off with the Oakland Raiders next Saturday live on NFL network at 4 PM Eastern Time, 3 PM Central Time.

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