Giants Use Errors for 21-13 Win

Cornerback Elvis Patterson is just trying to keep his job.

Patterson set up two touchdowns Sunday by intercepting a pass and recovering a fumbled punt to lead the New York Giants past the New Orleans Saints, 21-13.

Though he’s started at left cornerback and played well all season, Patterson basically has just been filling in for Pro Bowl player Mark Haynes. Haynes, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, didn’t sign until two weeks ago and must be activated by next week.

Patterson’s 24-yard return of a Dave Wilson pass was not only adventurous but productive as well. Patterson ran in almost every direction possible before he was tackled on the New Orleans 31, setting up a New York touchdown.

“I was just trying to get it into the end zone,” Patterson said. “I wasn’t worried about running backwards because I had open field in front of me.”

Patterson also fell on a fumbled punt by the Saints’ Carl Roaches at the New Orleans 12 in the fourth quarter.

“The ball was on the ground and everybody was fighting for it,” Patterson said. “It popped out of the pile and I just fell on it.”

New York running back Joe Morris provided most of the offense by rushing 20 times for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Giants (5-3) led, 7-3, at halftime, but Morten Andersen kicked a 43-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to bring the Saints (3-5) to within 7-6.

New York’s next drive stalled and punter Sean Landeta came in, but Roaches fumbled his 35-yard punt and Patterson recovered at the New Orleans 12. Three plays later, Morris ran five yards for a touchdown.

Some more generosity by New Orleans set up the final New York touchdown.

On the Saints’ next possession, Giant defensive end Leonard Marshall batted Dave Wilson’s pass into the air and then picked it off, returning the ball three yards to the New Orleans 22.

Morris capped a six-play drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

The Saints’ only touchdown came with 53 seconds left when Wilson connected with Eric Martin on a 17-yard scoring pass.