NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees looked even better than last year, which was bad news for a Detroit Lions team trying to win for the first time since 2007.

Brees tied a Saints record with six touchdown passes and threw for 358 yards as the Saints beat the Lions 45-27 Sunday to extend Detroit’s regular-season losing streak to 18.
Two of Brees’ touchdown passes went to Jeremy Shockey, who hadn’t scored since being traded from the New York Giants to New Orleans last season.
Matthew Stafford’s first start had its ups and downs. The 2009 top overall draft choice was 16 of 37 for 205 yards with three interceptions. He led two touchdown drives, capping one with his first NFL score on a short keeper. Lions safety Louis Delmas also returned a fumble for a 65-yard touchdown.