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Steelers sink Saints in Hall of Fame game

Aug 6, 2007 - 3:18 AM By Todd Krepop PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CANTON, Ohio (Ticker) - The Mike Tomlin era kicked off with a win.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked sharp as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-7, in the NFL's Hall of Fame Game on Sunday night.

Tomlin took over for longtime Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who retired after 15 seasons.

Roethlisberger played only one series but it was good enough to lead the Steelers on a touchdown on their opening drive.

The fourth-year quarterback connected on 2-of-3 passes for 73 yards, including a 55-yard strike to Cedric Wilson down the right sideline.

Wilson caught four passes for 99 yards and Santonio Holmes added a 55-yard reception to go along with a two-yard touchdown catch for the Steelers.

Najeh Davenport, who started in place of the injured Willie Parker at running back, scored on a four-yard touchdown run as the Steelers raced out to a 17-0 lead at halftime.

Pittsburgh racked up 305 yards in the first half while limiting the Saints to only 56.

Parker didn't dress due to swelling in his left knee.

Drew Brees completed only one of his six passes for six yards, and second-year running back Reggie Bush had two rushes for eight yards as the Saints left their starters in for two series.

Jason Fife threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Dudley on a fourth-and-goal for the Saints' only score.

New Orleans No. 1 pick Robert Meachem was welcomed to the NFL by William Gay in the fourth quarter. Meachem was knocked to the ground by Gay, causing an incompletion. He lay on the field for a few moments before jogging off the field under his own power and returning a play later.

Running back Deuce McAllister dressed but did not see any action for New Orleans.