Associated Press - November 16, 2009 7:34 PM ET

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - Sean Payton says there were reasons to be proud of the unbeaten Saints' victory in St. Louis even though an opponent with only one victory gave New Orleans its closest game all season.

Payton says the defense held together well on Sunday considering three starters missed the game and a fourth was injured when Tracy Porter hurt his knee.

Meanwhile, the Saints continued to have problems with turnovers. Drew Brees was intercepted twice and Marques Colston fumbled away a near touchdown at the goal line.

Payton says it was impressive to win on the road despite all those problems.

The Saints are now 9-0 for the first time in club history.

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