New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees, Saints weather Buccaneers’ push

TAMPA — Drew Brees was sacked four times, knocked around a bunch more, and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Still, the New Orleans quarterback found a way to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers again.

Garrett Hartley kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired to give the Saints a weather-delayed 16-14 victory and their fourth consecutive win over their NFC South rivals on Sunday.

the lead early in the fourth quarter to complete three straight passes for 54 yards to lead the Saints (2-0) into position to win.

He finished 26 of 46 for 322 yards, although interceptions by linebackers Dekoda Watson and Mason Foster led to all of Tampa Bay’s points.

The game was interrupted by a 69-minute suspension of play because of lightning that sent fans at Raymond James Stadium scurrying for cover early in the first quarter.

The Bucs (0-2) lost on a field goal in the closing seconds for the second straight week. Foster scored on an 85-yard interception return for a 14-13 lead.

However, Rian Lindell missed a 46-yard field goal attempt just over a minute later, giving Brees one more chance to bring the Saints back.

Brees led his team into scoring position with completions of 15 yards to Jimmy Graham, 8 yards to Darren Sproles, and 31 yards to Marques Colston.

It was the 22d time during the regular season Brees has led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime.

The Bucs played resilient defense to stay in the game, but in the end weren’t able to generate enough offense.

Josh Freeman completed just 9 of 22 passes for 125 yards for Tampa Bay. Doug Martin rushed for 144 yards on 29 carries.

The Bucs visit Gillette Stadium next Sunday for their first meeting with the Patriots since the 2009 season. The game at London’s Wembley Stadium was won by the Patriots, 35-7.