The Falcons (2-7) snapped their six-game slide following a 26-9 victory over the New Orleans Saints (7-2) on Sunday. Atlanta's offense dominated the Saints throughout the day and was led by quarterback Matt Ryan who finished the game completing 20 of his 35 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Julio Jones caught three passes for 79 yards in the game. The Falcons offense generated 317 yards of total offense and was very effective in the run game racking up 143 yards.
Atlanta's defense stood tall against the Saints offense and was led by linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, who finished with six tackles and a sack in the game. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett had a solid outing, reeling in three tackles and finished with 2.5 sacks. The Falcons held the New Orleans run game to 52 yards total and came away with six sacks on Drew Brees. Brees ended the contest with 287 yards, completing 32 out of 45 throws and zero touchdowns against Atlanta.
Here are the main takeaways from the Falcons-Saints game:
Falcons pass rush a factor against Saints
Coming Into the game, the Falcons defense only recorded seven sacks in the first eight games played. The Saints' offensive line have only allowed 12 sacks for this season, which is the third fewest in the league. Atlanta's pass rush finally got home as the defense sacked Brees six times in the game. It was the Falcons' interior who brought the most pressure between Grady Jarrett and Adrian Clayborn. Vic Beasley also picked up a sack in the fourth quarter. Half of the Falcons sacks in the game came on third down. For more coverage on the Falcons' pass rush against the Saints, click here.
Atlanta's offense finally found success in the run game
For most of the season, the Falcons struggled in the run game. Against the Saints, Atlanta generated 143 yards on the ground for a season-high. The Saints' defense entered the game only allowing 84.3 yards of rushing per game, which is the fourth-fewest in the league. Headed into the game, Atlanta's coaching staff stressed the importance of the run game and having a balance in order to be more effective offensively. The Falcons entered Sunday's game leading the league in passing offense, but is ranked at 29th in rushing amongst the entire league. For more coverage on the Falcons success in the run game against New Orleans, click here.
Ricardo Allen, Julio Jones discuss victory over Saints
Falcons captains, Ricardo Allen and Julio Jones have been vocal about the outcome of the season and what it will take to turn things around. Both players mentioned a different kind of focus heading into the game as the players and coaches were more open to dialogue. "Nobody is coming at you as a person, everybody is coming at you as a player. If you aren't playing the way you want to, we were getting it corrected this week. It was open criticism from everybody," said Allen. Following the game, Jones gave his thoughts on the win saying, "The energy felt great today. Felt like it should have been like that the whole time. Guys weren't complacent. Defensively, they did an amazing job. Special teams did an amazing job today. Offensively, we did OK. We [will] continue to keep working."
For more coverage on Jones and Allen's quotes following the game, click here.
Tabeek: This win will go down as one of Dan Quinn's biggest ever
No one gave the Falcons a clear-cut chance at beating the Saints in New Orleans. Heading into the game, the Falcons were last in the league in sacks with seven, 21st in points allowed per game and 24th in yards allowed per game. The Falcons utilized the bye week to make essential coaching staff changes and made sure to prepare for the Saints, who currently lead the NFC South. Atlanta put together a well played game against their rival as this win will arguably go down under coach Dan Quinn's career. To read more on Tabeek's column, click here.
Other notable performance:
- Kicker Younghoe Koo came ready to play after being signed to the Falcons' active roster during the bye week. Koo was perfect on all four of his field goal attempts and converted on all extra point opportunities for Atlanta.
- Running back Brian Hill led the offense in rushing with 20 carriers for 61 yards.
- Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun led in tackles amongst the defense ending with eight total with seven being solo.
- Defensive end Vic Beasley came away with 1.5 sacks in the game. Defensive tackle Adrian Clayborn was also credited for a sack.
- Cornerback Isaiah Oliver tallied six tackles.
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 Superdome in Louisiana
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 shakes hands with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 before the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn exits the locker room before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard James Carpenter #77 looks on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of Atlanta Falcons defensive back Jordan Miller #28 before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26, strong safety Damontae Kazee #27 and free safety Ricardo Allen #37 look on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 prepares to snap the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 gestures during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 reacts after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the first quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 lines up against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore #23 during the first half of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 after Hooper caught a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 after Hooper caught a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action rushing during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons military appreciation salute to service hat during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action running for yards after a catch during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action running during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 catches the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18, center Alex Mack #51, wide receiver Julio Jones #11, quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and free safety Ricardo Allen #37 take the field for the coin toss before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 leads the huddle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 looks on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action running during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action running during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 knocks the helmet off of New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith #10 during the third quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 knocks the helmet off of New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith #10 during the third quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 gestures during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 scores a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates with wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates with running back Kenjon Barner #38 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on smiling after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton shake hands after the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 reacts after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the second half of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the second half of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Action from the game between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome on Sunday, November 10, 2019. (Photo by Michael DeMocker)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank shakes hands with kicker Younghoe Koo #7 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank shakes hands with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 smiles during the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
