The Saints may be undefeated, but the Patriots showed no fear on their opening offensive possession.  They marched 80 yards on 14 plays, including two fourth down conversions – the last of which was a 4th and one touchdown run by Laurence Maroney.

Maroney had runs of 22 yards and gained a total of 39-yards on 7 carries including his touchdown to put the Patriots up 7-3 with 3:34 left in the first quarter.