The NFC South is beginning to shape up. The New Orleans Saints move to 6-3 with their win over the now 1-7 Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons lead the division with a 6-2 mark and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dropped to third place with a 5-3 record.
Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 253 yards on 27 of 43 passing and added two touchdowns and one interception. Julius Jones led all rushers with 68 yards on six carries. Chris Ivory had 50 yards on 12 carries while Pierre Thomas missed another game. Lance Moore was the leading receiver with 77 yards on six catches. Marques Colston chipped in with eight receptions for 65 yards. Tight end Jimmy Graham caught a touchdown and 49 yards on three catches.
Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen was eight-for-18 for only 47 yards with one interception. Tyrell Sutton led the Panthers with 41 yards on seven carries and Jonathan Stewart carried five times for 30 yards. David Gettis managed 22 yards on two receptions and led the Panthers in receiving yards.