NEW ORLEANS -- Drew Brees threw a long touchdown pass to take ownership of another prestigious NFL passing record, hit three more scoring passes in an emotional victory, and then spoke hopefully of salvaging a season that had looked lost after defeats in New Orleans' first four games.

Brees broke Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas' half-century-old record by throwing a touchdown pass in his 48th straight game, and the Saints beat the San Diego Chargers, Brees' former team, 31-24 on Sunday night.

Brees' 40-yard pass to Devery Henderson eclipsed the mark of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass Unitas set from 1956-60.

Brees' last three scoring passes went to Marques Colston, giving the seventh-year receiver a franchise-record 52 TD catches with the Saints (1-4).

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