Drew Brees didn’t need much time to finish off a good weekend for the New Orleans Saints.
Brees smoothly led a touchdown drive on his only series Sunday night, and the Saints beat the Arizona Cardinals, 17-10, in the Hall of Fame game, officiated by a crew with college experience.
The game was canceled last year for the first time in 45 years, a casualty of the NFL’s lockout of players. Labor issues also came into play in Sunday night’s game in Canton, Ohio — the seven officials were replacements.
Brees was sharp on the opening 10-play drive, completing 4-of-5 passes for 41 yards with one off-target throw.
The Cardinals are using the preseason to pick a quarterback, with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton competing for the starting job. Kolb started the game but had a tough time, throwing an interception on his first pass and leaving after bruising his ribs on the third series.
SON OF ANDY REID DIES
Garrett Reid, the troubled 29-year-old son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, was found dead Sunday in a dorm room at the club’s Lehigh University training camp, where he spends most of his summers with his father.
Police said the death was not suspicious, and the cause was under investigation.
EXTRA POINTS
Lions defensive end Cliff Avril signed his tender and will make $10.6 million this season as a franchise-tagged player. … The Bengals released defensive end Derrick Harvey, who signed as a free agent last March. … Bears wide receiver Devin Thomas announced his retirement. … Raiders cornerback Ron Bartell was removed from the non-football-related injury list.
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