The New Orleans Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-17 on Sunday afternoon inside the Caesars Superdome. The win marked the first in the Darren Rizzi era, as he has taken over as interim head coach after Dennis Allen was fired last Monday.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with a punt and then a long Saints drive. During the drive, Alvin Kamara became the Saints all-time leading rusher, surpassing Mark Ingram. However, New Orleans was turned away on a fourth down play, getting no points despite driving over 83 yards.
Atlanta could not move it offensively, and the Saints got it back with good field position. The drive stalled, but Blake Grupe connected on the field goal to make it 3-0 New Orleans.
Younghoe Koo missed a field goal for Atlanta, and the Saints took advantage. Derek Carr threw an incredible ball to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 40 yard touchdown, making it 10-0 Saints.
Kirk Cousins navigated the Falcons down the field for a nine play, 73 yard touchdown drive. Bijan Robinson punched it in from one yard out to make it 10-7. However, Carr to Valdes-Scantling struck again, this time for 67 yards to get inside the five and for two more yards to finish the drive with a touchdown to make it 17-7.
Koo had his field goal try blocked at the end of the half, and New Orleans took the 17-7 lead into the break.
The Saints offense sputtered out of the half, and Atlanta was able to work into field goal range. Koo made this one, cutting the lead to 17-10.
New Orleans would answer back with another sustained drive. It did stall out, forcing another Grupe field goal. He made it, extending the lead back out to 20-10.
The Falcons answered very quickly this time. A long conversion on third down to Kyle Pitts was followed by a Robinson 37 yard touchdown run, shrinking the Saints lead down to 3 at 20-17.
After the Saints could not extend the lead, the Falcons marched it all the way into scoring range. The drive stalled, and Koo missed his third kick of the day, allowing the Saints to keep their slim lead.
The Saints had another chance, but once again could not move it offensively. However, Tyrann Mathieu secured an interception to get it back for the Saints.
Carr had a wide open Kamara to seal it, but Kamara could not hang on, dropping it. That gave the Falcons one more chance with around 90 seconds to go. The defense once again came up with the plays they needed, forcing a stop to hold on 20-17.
BIG NUMBER: 1
The Rizzi era is off to a 1-0 start. Although not easy, this team found a way for the first time in two months.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The most unlikely of heroes, MVS had over 100 receiving yards with two touchdowns. It was a spark this offense desperately needed.
UP NEXT: The Saints will remain home to host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, November 17th at noon inside the Caesars Superdome.
