Brees sharp as Saints top Cards

Associated Press

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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 — the seven officials were replacements.

The referee announced the result of the coin flip incorrectly — Craig Ochoa said the Saints won the toss and deferred, then caught his mistake and said the Cardinals had won the toss. There were some other communication problems as well on the first-time crew.

The win completed a good visit for the Saints, who needed a few smiles after their rough offseason.

Suspended coach Sean Payton got the league’s permission to attend a dinner for former Saints tackle Willie Roaf and the other five Hall of Fame inductees on Friday night.