Top 10 Saints plays at halfway point

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) -

Halfway through the regular season, several plays stand out in the Saints climb to the top of the NFC. And what's most notable is that no one would've predicted that some of these names would be responsible for the most pivotal plays.

10. Taysom Hill’s fourth down scramble

Taysom Hill, on a 4th down against the Rams that was designed to be a pass, makes the right decision to tuck and run, picking up a first down on a drive that led to much-needed points to set the tone against Los Angeles.

9. Brees throws his 500th touchdown

Drew Brees cementing his name in history, yet again, with his 500th career touchdown pass. Also worth noting, it went to tight end Ben Watson against his former team in Baltimore.

8. Alex Anzalone shows off his athleticsm

We head back to the Rams game. Already up 14, the Saints were able to take advantage of Sean McVay and Jared Goff's aggressive nature when Alex Anzalone made an incredible interception in LA territory. It set up a Saints touchdown to give them a three-score halftime lead.

7. Clutch Lutz

In a game where kicking became the focal point, Wil Lutz was the man. His 44-yarder, from the same distance that he missed earlier in the game, gave the Black and Gold a three-point lead to win it over the Browns. As an honorable mention to the list, it's worth noting that the Saints wouldn't be where they are had it not been for Cleveland's Zane Gonzalez and Baltimore's Justin Tucker missing some big kicks.

6. Williams and Anzalone rock Adam Thielen in Minnesota

It's the second time we see Anzalone making an appearance. He and P.J. Williams forced a game-changing fumble in Minnesota, jarring the ball from Adam Thielen, which led to a big recovery and return from Marshon Lattimore to set up a Saints touchdown.

5. Kamara puts the icing on the cake in New York

Halfway through the list, Alvin Kamara makes his first appearance, and what a game he had in New York, capped off by a 49-yard touchdown to ice the it. It was part of his career-high 134 yards rushing.

4. Pick-six P.J.

This is another example of the Saints getting production from unlikely places. P.J. Williams was in the right place at the right time yet again, all over Stefon Diggs, and picking off Kirk Cousins. He'd return it the distance to take the air of Bank of America Stadium as the Saints crushed Minnesota.

3. Brees becomes all-time passing yards leader

On the brink of breaking the all-time passing record, Brees did that and then some with a 62-yarder to Tre'Quan Smith. The historic moment brought the game to a temporary pause with lots of congratulations from fans and teammates, and it couldn't have been a more perfect moment.

2. Hill and Brees go “Mike Vick” in Atlanta

This one's a two-parter with two quarterbacks making some outstanding plays against the Falcons. First, Taysom Hill, facing a third and two on a drive where the Saints had to get points, keeps the option and stretches to barely get the first down to keep the Black and Gold moving. Only Brees could top it, and he did on the same drive with a spin move unlike any we've ever seen from number nine. He shook off two Atlanta defenders to get into the endzone and tie the game.

1. Michael Thomas recreates the Joe Horn celebration

The top spot goes to none other than the Brees to Michael Thomas connection to bury the Rams last Sunday. Taking advantage of single coverage, Thomas went 72 yards past Marcus Peters to give the Saints a 10-point cushion. And then, he took it to the next level with the celebration of the year. Vintage Joe Horn pulling out the flip phone.

As an honorable mention, we can't forget about the few that didn't quite make the list. Taysom Hill's fake punt in Baltimore on the Saints' first possession was a great one. It was the first of four different fourth down attempts on the drive, and it set the tone for a game where neither team held anything back.

Justin Hardee's interception against Washington is another big one. Though the game was well in hand with the Saints already up by 20 points, it felt like really hammering the nail in the coffin, especially with Marshon Lattimore out with a concussion.

We also can't forget about the Marcus Williams interception against Cleveland that set up a touchdown for the Saints to take the lead. We saw Williams be a ball-hawk all of training camp, and this was the perfect time for him to arrive this season when the Saints were in desperate need of momentum.

Here’s to hoping that the second half of the season provides just as many unpredictable plays.

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