Saints Get Way as Vick Sits

New Orleans got a break when the Atlanta Falcons decided to rest Michael Vick and his aching shoulder. And the Saints took advantage with a much-needed victory.

Aaron Brooks threw for a touchdown and ran for another and Michael Lewis returned a kickoff for a score Sunday to lead the Saints to a 26-13 victory that keeps them in playoff contention.

Brooks, Vick’s cousin, completed 12 of 24 passes for 227 yards. With New Orleans trailing, 6-5, in the second quarter, Brooks scored the go-ahead touchdown after New Orleans pulled the kicking team on fourth down and sent the offense back in. His one-yard leap put the Saints up for good at 12-6.

“It was a disappointing performance for our football team, and that means everyone who got on the plane and came down here,” Atlanta Coach Jim Mora said.

Vick, unbeaten in three starts against New Orleans, was on the sideline in shorts and a T-shirt.

It was the third straight victory for New Orleans (7-8), their first three-game winning streak since 2002.

Lewis’ 96-yard kickoff return with 5 minutes 32 seconds left in the third quarter put the Saints up 26-13.

“It was even bigger because he called it at halftime,” Saint center LeCharles Bentley said of Lewis’ run. “He said, ‘Get ready, I’m going to take one to the house.’ ”

The Falcons (11-4) were also without two other offensive weapons: tight end Alge Crumpler and running back T.J. Duckett.

Vick and Crumpler had caused the Saints a great deal of trouble in recent meetings. Vick averaged 249 yards total offense -- 178 passing, 71 rushing -- passing for four touchdowns and running for four. Crumpler had 103 yards receiving including the 20-yard winning touchdown in Atlanta’s 24-21 victory over New Orleans last month.

The Falcons could afford to rest the trio. Atlanta already had clinched the division title, and last week wrapped up the No. 2 seeding and a first-round bye.

Vick was replaced by rookie quarterback Matt Schaub, who completed 17 of 41 passes for 188 yards. He was sacked three times and intercepted twice.

New Orleans plays at Carolina, another team battling for a wild-card spot, in the season finale next week.