Third quarter thwarts Saints

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Nov 3, 2009 - Page: 5C

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NEW ORLEANS — It seems the only thing that can stop the New Orleans Saints from scoring is the arrival of the third quarter.

The Saints, who defeated the Atlanta Falcons 35-27 on Monday night, have scored in 25 of the 28 quarters they have played in seven games this season. The only quarters in which they haven’t scored are the third quarters against the Bills, Jets and Falcons.

The Saints scored seven in the first quarter, 21 in the second quarter, and seven in the fourth quarter against Atlanta in the Superdome.

Brees moves up

Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who went into Monday’s game with 27,956 career passing yards, moved up two spots on the NFL’s all-time list when he threw for 308 yards.

Brees now has 28,264 yards, which pushed him past Terry Bradshaw (27,989) and Ron Jaworski (28,190) and into 42nd place. Ironically, Jaworski was working the game as a color analyst for ESPN.

Brees’ two TD passes gave him 184 of his career, moving him into 40th place all time, ahead of Craig Morton (183).

Ellis out

Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis is expected to miss four to six weeks because of a sprained right knee suffered against Miami last week. Coach Sean Payton was asked repeatedly last week about Ellis’ status and offered no insight. ESPN reported Monday that Ellis will miss four to six weeks.

Lineup changes

Anthony Hargrove started in Ellis’ place and Jo-Lonn Dunbar started at strongside linebacker in place of Scott Fujita (calf), one week after Troy Evans had started in Fujita’s spot. Reserve tight end David Thomas was introduced as the starting tight end, replacing Heath Evans, who was placed on injured reserve last week after undergoing knee surgery.

Falcon clipping

With their victory Monday night, the Saints have defeated the Falcons four straight times at home. That matches the streak the Saints had from 1974-77, beating the Falcons in 1974 at Tulane Stadium and the next three seasons in the Superdome after it opened in 1975.