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Drew Brees had 308 yards passing, Pierre Thomas scored two touchdowns and Jabari Greer returned an interception for a score to help the Saints improve to 7-0 with a 35-27 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas



NEW ORLEANS — Ladies and gentlemen, the NFC South race is over.



Let’s go ahead and crown the New Orleans Saints division champions. Yeah, I know we’re only seven games into this thing. But it’s over.



The Saints played their first division game of the season Monday night. They won it and, therefore, they’re going to win the NFC South for the first time since 2006.



Barring some sort of major injuries or problems, the Saints already have put enough distance between themselves and the rest of the NFC South. The Falcons played them pretty darn hard, but New Orleans survived it.



That makes the Saints 7-0 and the Falcons 4-3. Look at both of their remaining schedules and you’ll see why I’m saying the race is over. Atlanta needed this game to have any chance of catching the Saints. Now, the Falcons are going to have to scramble just to get a wild-card berth.



The Saints will be playing for much more than an NFC South crown the rest of the way. They’re going to finish with double-digit wins (they only need one more win for that if you give them victories for their two games with Tampa Bay). The only real questions are if they can clinch the home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs and maybe even if they’ll go undefeated.



I’m heading downstairs for post-game interviews. I’ll be back with more in a bit.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas



NEW ORLEANS — Looks like it’s going to go down to the wire in the Superdome. Right now it’s Saints 28, Falcons 24.



I thought for a second it was going to be tied when Roddy White appeared to make what initially was called a touchdown catch. The call was reviewed and, rightly, overturned and the Falcons had to settle for a field goal.



Speaking of field goals, veteran kickers Jason Elam and John Carney aren’t having particularly good nights. I wouldn’t be surprised if this one somehow comes down to a kicker deciding it.

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker



The Cleveland Browns released a statement Monday night on the firing of general manager George Kokinis:

“Cleveland Browns general manager George Kokinis is no longer actively involved with the organization. In response to rumors and reports that Kokinis was escorted out of the building today, the Browns deny those reports. In the interest of protecting the parties involved we will withhold further comment.”

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas



NEW ORLEANS — I know there’s been a lot of buzz about New Orleans safety Darren Sharper as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.



I’ve participated in that, too. I’d give Sharper my vote right now because he’s having an unbelievable year. But I think what happened just before the half shows you another member of the New Orleans secondary who at least deserves mention as a Pro Bowl cornerback.



That’s Jabari Greer. He intercepted Matt Ryan shortly before the end of the first half and returned it for a touchdown. That gives the Saints five interception returns so far this season and that already ties the team record for most in a season.



Greer was signed as a free agent from Buffalo and Tampa Bay also made a strong run at him. Greer’s been outstanding in coverage all season and has shown he can be a true No. 1 cornerback on what has become a very good defense.

NEW YORK (AP) -Brett Favre’s return to Green Bay was must-see viewing for NFL fans.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas



NEW ORLEANS — I’m not sure why the Falcons decided to switch up at cornerback on that last drive, although I did see Tye Hill, who had been getting a lot of early playing time, limp off the field after the previous drive.



Whatever happened, it’s a good thing Brent Grimes was out on the field on the latest drive. Grimes had been on the bench early in the game and he’s taken a lot of abuse from opposing receivers and from Atlanta fans this year. But Grimes just might a play that explains what the Atlanta coaching staff sees in him.



Grimes made a leaping interception of a Drew Brees pass intended for Devery Henderson. Yes, Grimes may be short (he’s listed at 5-foot-9 and probably isn’t that tall), but teammates and coaches will tell you Grimes is the best natural athlete on the team.



He’s also got incredible leaping ability, which was shown on that play.