The Falcons have now dropped back-to-back games after a 26-18 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.
Atlanta's offense struggled to get rolling throughout the day due to the Saints' pressure. The Falcons finished with 348 yards of total offense. The Saints were hitting on all cylinders from the very start, ending the game with 279 yards on offense, generating 96 yards on the ground. New Orleans defense sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan nine times and forced four turnovers.
Here are the main takeaways from the Falcons-Saints game:
Tabeek: The Falcons' biggest issue still an issue
Last week against Tampa Bay, the Falcons surrendered six sacks, which was their season-high. In Sunday's game, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked nine times in the game. In 2018, Ryan was sacked 42 times and has been sacked 38 times this season with four more games to go.
For more on Tabeek's column discussing the offensive line struggles, click here.
Falcons' three onside kick recoveries even more impressive than you thought
In a late comeback attempt against the Saints, the Falcons recovered three onside kicks with one being called back due to a holding penalty. Falcons Younghoe Koo weighed in on the recoveries saying, "I was glad to just give us a chance, and the guys did a great job of recovering the onside kicks."
For more on the Falcons recovering three onside kicks against the Saints, click here.
Other notable performances:
- Linebacker Deion Jones was the leading tackler for the defense, finishing the game with nine tackles
- Quarterback Matt Ryan ended the game competing 35 of 50 passes for 312 yards.
For those who want further analysis of Sunday's game between the Falcons and Saints, check out an archive of our live blog below.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints with top photos from the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy #14 warms up before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons walk from the locker room to the field before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy #14 is shown during the National Anthem before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18, wide receiver Christian Blake #13, and wide receiver Russell Gage #83 are shown during the National Anthem before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints are shown during the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 gestures as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 gestures during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes the ball during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn cheers after Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 scores a touchdown in the during the second quarter during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 scores a touchdown in the second quarter during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 celebrates after scoring a touchdown \in the second quarter during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 celebrates with. offensive guard Jamon Brown #68 after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 spikes the ball in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 carries the ball during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 gestures after a play during the first quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 celebrates by spiking the ball after scoring a touchdown in the second quarters during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 is hugged by Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn after scoring a touchdown in the second quarters during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 makes a tackle during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Kenjon Barner #38 gestures during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks the ball during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after making a tackle during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 carries the ball during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Matt Ryan in action during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 makes a tackle during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 carries the ball in the second quarter during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons line up before the start of a play during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez gives Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank a hug after being presented with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring during halftime between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez is presented with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring during halftime between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez is presented with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring during halftime between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 carries the ball during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans react to a play during the first quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks for an open receiver during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the bowl during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 carries the ball during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 blocks a pass during the third quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Fred Daniels/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and wide receiver Christian Blake #13 talk during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 receives the ball during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 receives the ball during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 receives the ball during the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after receiving an onside kick during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 celebrates after receiving an onside kick during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 and tight end Jaeden Graham #87 celebrates after receiving an onside kick during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on Thursday November 28, 2019. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Atlanta Falcons)
