Tami Chappell / Reuters

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson, left, celebrates a touchdown with tight end Ernie Conwell in the first quarter.

Gleason's block was recovered in the end zone by the Saints' Curtis DeLoatch, marking the start of a chain of improbable events. On the Falcons' ensuing drive, reliable tight end Alge Crumpler dropped a potential touchdown pass from Vick while wide open in the end zone, forcing the Falcons to settle for a 26-yard field goal by Morten Andersen, signed this week at age 46 after a career that started in 1982 with New Orleans.

The Saints' second touchdown came on an 80-yard drive directed by new Saints quarterback Drew Brees. The biggest play was a 28-yard pass to rookie Marques Colston. On the same play, the Falcons were penalized for roughing Brees and lost star cornerback Angelo Hall to a calf injury when a teammate rolled into his legs.

Receiver Devery Henderson scored the touchdown on an 11-yard run on a reverse after Brees handed off to heralded rookie Reggie Bush, who handed off to Henderson, a native of nearby Lafayette, La.

"We put that play in, the Superdome special," Payton said. "No way the Superdome special wasn't going to score a touchdown."

Later, Saints' safety Josh Bullocks blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt by Andersen with 1:49 left in the half. Brees quickly directed another drive and Carney connected from 51 yards as time expired in a near-perfect first half and a 20-3 lead for the home team.

"We didn't bring the emotion; the fans and the city did. We brought our focus and poise," Gleason said. "We worked on a block all week, but I didn't know we were going to try it until about seven seconds before we went on the field."

Payton preached about focus all week, knowing it would be easy for his players to get caught up in the emotion.

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"We spent about the night being special if we won it," Payton said. "There's a lot of work to get done. But this night belongs to the people of New Orleans."

With Deuce McAllister gaining 81 yards and Bush 53, the Saints outrushed the Falcons 146-117. Brees was decisive and accurate, completing 20 of 28 passes for 191 yards.

"If we had lost, the fans would still be partying because their team is still in New Orleans," receiver Joe Horn said. "But for us as players, we wanted the win. It was icing on the cake."

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