Proving resilient in the second half, the Falcons made Sunday's rematch against the Saints into a nail-biter. Atlanta ultimately couldn't get into the end zone one more time to complete its comeback, but it can't be said the Falcons went down without a fight.
Now, at 4-8 and with some pretty tough remaining games on the schedule, it doesn't appear likely the playoffs are in story for Atlanta. But, with a big offseason looming on the horizon, coaches and players will do everything they can to put their best feet forward. There are some key areas that need improvement, which Kevin Patra discussed in his takeaways for NFL.com, and how the Falcons perform in those areas could be revealing.
"The Falcons kept the game close despite another good game from the Saints' defense," Patra writes. "ATL struggled to get going early, with two three-and-outs to open the contest. New Orleans then forced a trio of field goals in the first half. The inability of Matt Ryan and Co. to turn FGs into TDs was the difference Sunday. A fourth-quarter touchdown broke a streak of 42 straight drives without allowing a TD by the Saints defense. Ryan did a better job getting the ball out against New Orleans than the previous loss, only being sacked three times -- five fewer than Week 11. Julio Jones (6/94) made some ridiculous catches and Calvin Ridley (5/108) added explosion as the Falcons stayed in the game into the fourth quarter despite going 5-of-13 on third downs. There are no moral victories in the NFC South rivalry, so having a shot late to pull the upset won't bring smiles to Atlanta. The Falcons going 1-of-4 in the red zone was the difference in the contest. The red area has been Atlanta's bugaboo all year, and it was no different against a good Saints D Sunday."
Falcons defense had no answer for Taysom Hill
One key storyline in the Falcons-Saints rematch was how Atlanta would adjust to New Orleans quarterback Taysom Hill with two games of tape to study. Hill had his best day as a passer on Sunday, completing 73 percent of his passes for 232 yards and tossed the first two passing touchdowns of his career. Coming off of its best defensive performance of the season, Atlanta took a step back against New Orleans, something Harry Lyles Jr. noted in his postgame piece for ESPN.com.
"Atlanta's defense gave legitimacy to Hill being a candidate to be the Saints full-time starter of the future," Lyles Jr. writes. "That's not a dig on Hill or his talent -- he went out and performed well.
"But from a defense's perspective, the Falcons let a player with an NFL career that had mostly consisted of being a punt gunner and gadget player look like a good quarterback. That's a tough pill to swallow and will force the Falcons to take a closer look in the mirror as we enter the final month of the season."
Falcons offense sees poor results in rematch
While the Saints were able to move the ball during stretches of the game, the Falcons never really found their rhythm on offense. Much like the first meeting between these two teams, third downs and the red zone proved to be problem spots for Atlanta. In the fourth quarter, things began to turn around for Atlanta's offense, putting the team in position to win a game in which they mostly trailed, but time ultimately ran out. In his review of the action, Jason Butt noted the offense's play for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"If not for the Falcons' late surge, which actually put them in position to possibly win the game, the offensive output was almost a carbon copy of the game from two weeks ago," Butt writes. "Just like in the first meeting, the Falcons stalled on three offensive drives and settled for field goals from place-kicker Younghoe Koo, who netted a 53-yarder on one of his attempts. The third quarter resulted in two Falcons' punts."
More headlines for Falcons fans
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Tabeek: Reason why latest Saints loss stings more
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Matt Ryan’s confidence in Dirk Koetter remains
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Games that could impact Falcons’ draft standing
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Falcons’ comeback bid falls short vs. Saints
- PFF.com: Falcons-Saints ReFocused
- AJC.com: Morris: ‘We didn’t do enough on either side of ball’
- AJC.com: Koetter’s Falcons offense flops again
- AJC.com: Third down problematic for Falcons defense
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints with top photos from Week 13.
Details of the Atlanta Falcons Throwback uniform are shown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
The field inside Mercedes Benz Stadium is shown before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 wears cleats to support Academy of Kings during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 wears cleats to support March of Dimes and Miracle Babies at Northside Hospital during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 wears cleats to support the Unstoppable foundation during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 wears cleats to support Autism Speaks during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 wears cleats to support the Unstoppable foundation during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 wears cleats to support Black Lives Matter during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 wears cleats to support Black Lives Matter during the My Cause My Cleats initiative before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 29, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 runs out onto the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 is shown before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds #59 leads the huddle during pregame against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 is shown before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 for My Cause, My Cleats during pregame against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 runs out of the tunnel during pregame against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 wears cleats in support of Food Allergy research and Education (FARE) before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 wears cleats to support Partners Against Domestic Violence (PADV) before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons huddle up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter during the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 and linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrate after making a tackle during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates making a sack in the first half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates after making a tackle during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 is celebrates after making a field goal during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 makes a field goal during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 makes a field goal during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 in action during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris in action during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 in action during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up during pregame against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Allen Bailey #93 in action during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
The Atlanta Falcons defense at work against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 celebrates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 competes a catch during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 in action during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after diving for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 dives for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after diving for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 dives for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action for an incomplete pass during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 in action during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 runs the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
An Atlanta Falcons throwback helmet sits on an equipment case during the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 gestures against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 reacts during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 reacts against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 prepares to snap the ball against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gestures during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 listens to quarterback Matt Ryan #2 on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 gestures during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 celebrates a touchdown scored by wide receiver Russell Gage #83 during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 stands ready against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 makes a tackle during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Cleats worn by Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 for My Cause, My Cleats during pregame against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 gestures during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
The New Orleans Saints stand under the "Visitor" scoreboard during the game on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 hit New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 and Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 defend during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 makes a field goal during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 picks up a fumble during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on December 6, 2020.
