The New Orleans Saints traveled to the Georgia Dome Thursday night and grinded out a win over the Atlanta Falcons, 17-13.
After forcing New Orleans to punt on their first drive, Matt Ryan methodically moved the offense down the field and eventually Steven Jackson punched the ball into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run. The Falcons’ hot start seemed to serve as a wake up call for Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense as they immediately responded on the next drive. Brees took 15 plays and over seven minutes of game clock before he found Benjamin Watson in the back of the end zone to tie the game at 7-7. Later in the half Brees connected with Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham for a 44-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. Although the Falcons were unable to score another touchdown in the half, Matt Bryant netted two field goals and the Falcons found themselves only down 14-13. The first half was exciting to watch as the teams scored on five of the game’s first six drives. It was clear this was a rivalry games as both defenses delivered big hits on the opposing ball carriers throughout the first half.
Both offenses became stagnant in the third quarter. The only points scored came on a Garrett Hartley field goal, leaving the Saints up 17-13 at the end of the quarter. Atlanta had chances to gain momentum in the fourth quarter but failed several times. The Falcons appeared to be knocking on the door at the beginning of the quarter until wide receiver Darius Johnson fumbled the ball and allowed New Orleans to recover. The Falcons’ defense held tough though, and held the Saints scoreless on their next drive. Later, Matt Bryant appeared to convert a 52-yard field goal, but Sean Payton was able to call a timeout before the snap. On his second try, Bryant missed the same kick and New Orleans was able to run out the clock.
Drew Brees had a solid night going 23/33 for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Jimmy Graham had another huge night with five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. The Saints actually ended up with a nice performance on the ground from Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram as they ran for a combined 105 yards on 19 carries. The Saints’ defense definitely showed up on the road as well as they sacked Matt Ryan five times as well as forcing the fumble in the fourth quarter.
The Falcons’ disappointing season continued Thursday night despite a very strong effort. It’s hard to say Matt Ryan played poorly with a 29/38, 291 yard performance, but the offense just never really gained the momentum it needed. The Atlanta defense played Brees about as well as a unit can, but received no support from the offense. Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White is clearly missing Julio Jones’ presence on the field as he was held to just two receptions for 24 yards on the night. Steven Jackson looked good in the first half, but had minimal impact in the second as he finished with 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Saints’ coach Sean Payton seemed satisfied after the game saying “It’s a good win for us. We’ll enjoy it for now… and then get ready for our next game.” The Saints (9-2) are now tied with Seattle for the best record in the NFC and will face the Seahawks on Monday Night Football December 2nd. The Falcons (2-9) will try to salvage what’s left of their season as they travel to Buffalo to face The Bills.
