NEW ORLEANS – Drew Brees completed eight of his first 10 passes for 108 yards, and Darren Sproles' touchdown run helped the New Orleans Saints take a 7-3 lead over the Miami Dolphins after the first quarter Monday night.
Sproles also caught four passes for 68 yards, including a 48-yarder on the game's opening series to set up his 5-yard touchdown run.
Brees completed his first three passes for 70 yards. He followed up his long pass to Sproles with an 18-yard completion to rookie Kenny Stills. Soon after, Sproles ran it in easily on a draw play.
During the drive, Brees became only the seventh quarterback to pass for more than 47,000 yards. He ended the drive with 47,030, surpassing Fran Tarkenton's 47,003 for sixth most yards passing all-time.
Miami responded quickly, surprisingly by running the ball. The Dolphins came in averaging 70.3 yards rushing per game, but gained 57 on the ground on their opening series. Lamar Miller gained 33 yards on one run and quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a 26 yard gain. Tannehill also completed his only two passes during the drive.
However, New Orleans' defense tightened up at its 10-yard line, and rookie defensive tackle John Jenkins' tackle behind the line forced Miami to settle for Caleb Sturgis' 34-yard field goal to make it 7-3.
It was the seventh made field goal in as many tries for Sturgis, a rookie.