Undrafted rookie Kenbrell Thompkins has helped the New England Patriots record a dramatic 30-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints tonight, scoring a game-winning touchdown with five seconds remaining.
New England started brightly but were caught cold by Drew Brees, who found Travaris Cadet for a touchdown late in the first quarter.
The Patriots got going on offence in the second quarter to build a 17-7 half-time advantage, with Stevan Ridley scoring twice in quick succession before the break.
Momentum then swung to the Saints as Garrett Hartley's trusty boot reduced the deficit, before reserve running back Khiry Robinson levelled the scores with a smart drive into the endzone.
Patriots quarterback Stephen Gostkowski converted two field goals to edge the Patriots back ahead, but once again the Saints came roaring back to wrestle the advantage late on.
Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills collected a 34-yard throw from Brees to level the scores early in the fourth quarter, before Hartley drilled a 39-yard field goal to put the visitors four points ahead late on.
New England had three minutes to respond but spurned two possessions as Tom Brady was intercepted, but there was still time for the veteran to make his mark in a dramatic conclusion.
With time running out Brady aimed a lofted pass into the corner, with Thompkins evading his marker to leave the Saints ruing bad decisions and a first defeat of the season.
Liam Power
