Hartley makes good in first start
 

LANDOVER, Md. — New Orleans Saints kicker Garrett Hartley was active for the first time this season for Sunday’s game with the Washington Redskins.

Saints coach Sean Payton elected to activate Hartley, who served a four-game suspension at the beginning of this season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and was inactive for the next seven games, over veteran John Carney.

Hartley came through with four field goals — including the game-winner with 8:31 left in overtime — to help the Saints to a 33-30 win.

Carney, who was 13-of-17 in field goals this season, missed a 37-yard attempt against the New England Patriots on Monday night after having a 30-yarder carom off the left upright and fall across the crossbar.

Hartley made all 13 of his field-goal attempts after being signed at midseason a year ago and hit from 34, 27, 28 and 18 yards Sunday with his only miss from 58 on the final play of regulation.

Breaking the tie

Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who went into the game tied with Archie Manning for second place on the club’s all-time list for touchdown passes, moved ahead of Manning with a 40-yard strike to wide receiver Marques Colston in the second quarter.

Brees also connected with Robert Meachem on a 53-yarder to tie the game and has 117 TD passes with the Saints. He needs four more to break Aaron Brooks’ club record of 120.

Play of the game

In one of the most bizarre plays you’ll ever see, Saints wide receiver Meachem had a 44-yard fumble return for a touchdown with 22 seconds to play in the first half, tying the game 17-17. Redskins safety Kareem Moore, a former Nicholls State star, intercepted Brees and headed up field when he ran into Meachem, who snatched the ball from his hands and ran to the end zone.

Game ball

In addition to his fumble return for a score, Meachem had career highs in receptions (eight) and yards (142) and his 53-yard TD catch from Brees with 1:19 left sent the game to overtime.

Re: Hartley makes good in first start
 

To me, the key coaching decision for Payton was benching Carney and replacing him with Hartley before the game began. Great intuitive read by Payton on what he needed to do to ensure that the kicking game wouldn't cost us a win.

Re: Hartley makes good in first start
 

I think Payton is more worried about his kicking game over any other aspect of football. He traded up to get Moorestead who has solidified the punting and kick off positions. I could see him carrying two kickers into post season.