NEW ORLEANS -- Bill Belichick knew that, if he didn't get seven points, his Patriots would find it very hard to catch up to the high-scoring Saints.

So, having seen Drew Brees shred his secondary while opening up a 31-17 lead, Belichick knew he couldn't settle for just three points with the Pats facing a 4th-and-4 at the N.O. 10 with 4:12 remaining in the third quarter.

Disdaining a chip-shot field goal, the Pats tried to pick up the first down, but backup corner Mike McKenzie -- listed as a third-stringer on the depth chart -- knocked the ball away from Randy Moss.

It was the second huge play by McKenzie, who, late in the first quarter, intercepted a Brady pass intended for Moss on the first play after Wes Welker had returned a punt 46 yards to the N.O. 46.