Texans Could Not Capitalize in Red Zone, Fall To NO

New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Mark Ingram's first career touchdown proved to be the game-winner, as theSaints defeated the Texans, 40-33, in a wild finish at the Louisiana Superdome.

Ingram, the Saints' first-round draft pick out of Alabama, reeled off a 13- yard touchdown run in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter to give his team a lead it would not relinquish.

On the previous drive, Kevin Walter caught a deflected pass from Matt Schaub and escaped for a 20-yard touchdown to put the Texans (2-1) on top 33-32.

Schaub completed 22-of-39 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns against an interception for Houston, which was denied its first-ever 3-0 start.

Drew Brees threw for 370 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions for the Saints (2-1).

Brees was intercepted by Danieal Manning in the closing minutes of the third quarter and Schaub capitalized, finding James Casey on 3rd-and-6 along the sideline for a diving, 26-yard touchdown strike to give the Texans a 26-17 lead.

On their next possession, the Texans went three-and-out from their own 15- yard-line and Brett Hartmann's lackluster punt gave the Saints the ball at midfield.

This time Brees capitalized on third down, hitting Jimmy Graham in single coverage along the sideline for a 27-yard score to make it a 26-24 game.

Schaub was intercepted by Jabari Greer on Houston's next drive and New Orleans again took over at midfield. Then, on 3rd-and-6, Brees hit Lance Moore for a 16-yard touchdown. The pair connected again on the two-point conversion attempt for a 32-26 Saints lead.

Houston responded with Walter's improbable touchdown reception to go on top with a little over four minutes remaining. Schaub attempted a short pass to a blanketed Joel Dreessen. Saints linebacker Jonathan Casillasreached in and deflected the ball, but Walter made the catch inches from the ground and sprinted into the endzone.

Ingram, a former Heisman Trophy winner, capped an eight-play, 93-yard touchdown drive with a 13-yard touchdown scamper between the tackles to give the Saints the win.

Schaub's 4th-and-21 heave on the ensuing possession fell incomplete to seal the Texans' fate.

Houston was once-again denied its first-ever 3-0 start. The team got off to the same 2-1 start last season before dropping nine of its final 13 games.

Still, the Texans appeared headed for history early, scoring on their opening drive on Owen Daniels' 14-yard touchdown catch, before Neil Rackers made it a 10-0 game with a 22-yard field goal.

The defense, under new coordinator Wade Phillips, held the Saints off the board until Darren Sproles' 30-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.

The Texans drove inside the Saints 10-yard line on each of their next two possessions, but had to settle for Rackers' field goals.

John Kasay hit a 35-yard field goal for the Saints towards the end of the quarter and Houston held a 16-10 edge at the half.

On the opening drive of the third quarter, New Orleans marched 73 yards down the field and Brees connected with Robert Meachem for a short touchdown pass and a 17-16 lead.

Rackers hit a 36-yarder on the ensuing possession to reestablish the Texans' advantage.

The Saints have won five of their last six home games. They lead the all-time series over the Texans, 2-1...Ingram carried the ball nine times for 38 yards...Texans running back Ben Tate ran for 82 yards on 19 carries. He had recorded consecutive 100-yard rushing games to open the season in place of the injured Arian Foster...Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson had 12 catches for 128 yards.

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