Matt Schaub outplayed Drew Brees for most of the day but threw a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, and the New Orleans Saints rallied for a 40-33 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday at the Superdome.

Schaub, who surpassed David Carr for the most completions in franchise history, threw three touchdown passes and led the Texans (2-1) to a 26-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.

But the Texans' defense, which entered leading the NFL in scoring defense and passing defense, couldn't hold down Brees and the Saints in the final quarter.

Schaub's only interception of the day led to Brees' second touchdown pass of the fourth quarter – and third of the day – and the Saints scored 23 points in the final period.

Mark Ingram gave New Orleans the lead for good with a 13-yard touchdown run, and the Saints stopped Houston on fourth-and-21 to seal it.

Brees has won 15 of his past 20 home starts.

The Texans were without running back Arian Foster, who was inactive with a strained hamstring.