Saints...41 Jaguars...24

NEW ORLEANS -- Opposing coaches may as well incinerate game film of the New Orleans Saints’ dreadful 0-4 start. That team ceased to exist a month ago.

Drew Brees threw for 445 yards and three touchdowns, and Mike McKenzie returned an interception 75 yards for a score as New Orleans won its fourth straight, 41-24, over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now all the preseason hype seems a little more justified as the Saints (4-4) have become legitimate contenders in the NFC South again, only half a game behind division-leading Tampa Bay (5-4). This latest victory over Jacksonville (5-3) was the Saints’ most impressive.

Reggie Bush wasn’t bad, either, scoring touchdowns on a short run and a short reception. He gained 115 total yards, surpassing the 100-yard mark for the third time in four games.

Quoteworthy: “We’ve got a good thing going . . . but by no means have we accomplished anything yet.” -- Drew Brees, Saints quarterback