Saints force Sanchez into 4 turnovers in 24-10 victory over Jets

Big-play D propels Saints past Jets 24-10

NEW ORLEANS — A vastly improved defense with a penchant for big plays has the New Orleans Saints undefeated through four games for the first time since 1993.

Darren Sharper returned one of his two interceptions of rookie Mark Sanchez 99 yards for a score, Will Smith forced a fumble in the end zone to produce a second defensive touchdown, and New Orleans handed the New York Jets their first loss, 24-10 on Sunday.

New York (3-1) lost despite stopping the Saints twice on fourth-and-short and holding Drew Brees to 190 yards passing and no touchdowns. New Orleans’ normally high-powered offense, which entered the game ranked first in the NFL, did not score a touchdown until Pierre Thomas barreled in from a yard out with 6:07 left, but that was enough.