home > news > sports

Saints Beat Chargers 31-24, Brees Breaks Record

Drew Brees passed for a touchdown in an NFL-record 48th straight game

By Brett Martel

| Sunday, Oct 7, 2012 | Updated 8:52 PM PDT

View Comments (

)

Getty Images

Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws a first quarter pass against the San Diego Chargers.

Photos and Videos

LOOK

PHOTOS
Send Your Pic:
Chargers Faithful

LOOK

PHOTOS
San Diego
Chargers Girls

More Photos and Videos

Drew Brees broke a half-century-old NFL record by throwing a touchdown pass in his 48th straight game, and the New Orleans Saints won for the first time this season, 31-24 over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night.

Brees' 40-yard pass to Devery Henderson eclipsed the mark of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass set by Johnny Unitas from 1956-60.

Brees' also had three scoring strikes to Marques Colston, giving him a franchise-record 52 touchdown catches with the Saints (1-4).

At Brees' request, the NFL allowed head coach Sean Payton, assistant head coach Joe Vitt and general manager Mickey Loomis — all serving various suspensions in connection with the NFL's bounty investigation — to attend the game. They and Johnny Unitas son, Joe, saw Brees pass for 370 yards.

Philip Rivers passed for 354 yards and two touchdowns for the Chargers (3-2), but had an interception and fumble in the final quarter.