Alex Brandon / AP

Saints cornerback Jason Craft (21) intercepts a pass in front of Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones (18) in the second half of New Orleans' 41-24 victory Sunday.

Overall, however, New Orleans’ defense held up, limiting Jacksonville’s powerful running game to 88 yards.

Saints coach Sean Payton was reserved after the game, seemingly making an effort to keep his players from getting too comfortable with a potential trap game at home against winless St. Louis on Sunday.

“We’ve been able to scrap and fight and find a way to hang tight, but we’ve got a long ways to go,” Payton said. “We’re 4-4 and we’ve got eight games left. That record doesn’t put you anywhere — playoffs or anything.”

Bush credited Payton, both for keeping the Saints focused and upbeat when they were losing and for preventing them from getting carried away with themselves during the winning streak.

He pointed to Payton’s expression: “Don’t eat the cheese,” in which cheese is a metaphor for whatever people outside the locker room say about the Saints after impressive wins or embarrassing losses.

“Parmesan cheese, gouda cheese, Kraft single cheese, whatever it is, any kind of cheese, people want to feed us,” Bush said. “It’s just staying focused and not allowing your head to get too big, because if you eat too much cheese you may get sick ... especially if you’re lactose intolerant.”

Notes: Olindo Mare’s 46-yard field goal in the first quarter was his longest this season, but he also missed field goals of 42 and 52 yards late in the first half. He’s 6-for-12 on field goals this season. ... Former Saints kicker John Carney had a 30-yard field goal for Jacksonville, but his lack of range, which prompted Payton to release him, was an issue in this game. The Jaguars decided to go for it on fourth-and-4 from the New Orleans 36, and McKenzie had his touchdown on that play.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year

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