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NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - The New Orleans Saints tied a franchise-record 7-0 start to the season by holding off NFC South opponent the Atlanta Falcons 35-27 on Monday.

Drew Brees threw for 308 yards and two scores while capping an 81-yard drive with a one-yard TD toss to running back Pierre Thomas to make it 35-24 with 3:03 left in the game.

Atlanta kicker Jason Elam made a 40-yard field goal with 28 seconds left and the Falcons recovered an onside kick setting up a final "Hail Mary" play which was intercepted by the Saints defense.

Michael Turner steadied the Falcons (4-3) with 151 yards rushing and a score but with his team mounting a charge trailing 28-24 quarterback Matt Ryan was intercepted by Tracy Porter when the visitors were at the Saints' 10-yard line.

New Orleans, which took a three-game lead in the NFC South, last started a season 7-0 in 1991.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Alastair Himmer)