It was over when ...
Saints kicker Martin Gramatica missed a potential go-ahead field goal from 43 yards out with 1:55 left in the game.
Game ball
One week after catching 18 balls for 166 yards, Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall hauled in another six for 155 yards and a touchdown. The score came in the first quarter on a 35-yard pass from Jay Cutler near the back of the end zone in which Marshall dragged his feet to stay in bounds.
Key stat
Drew Brees totaled 421 yards on 39-of-48 passing, but threw just one touchdown.
Noteworthy
The Saints missed two critical scoring opportunities, first failing to punch the ball in from Denver's 1-yard line on three consecutive plays in the second quarter, and later missing out on a 2-point conversion that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter. ... The Saints stopped Broncos RB Andre Hall for a safety in the second quarter. ... In addition to his miss from 43 yards, Gramatica missed a 51-yarder at the end of the second half. He finished the day 1-of-3. ... Saints RB Reggie Bush shook off an early fumble and finished the game with 148 totals yards and two touchdowns.
