Photo by James Meche / Logos by Sportslogos.net
NEW ORLEANS — The Atlanta Falcons spoiled the Domecoming Anniversary festivities.
New Orleans’ bitter NFC South rival came to the Caesars Superdome on Monday night and bullied the Saints in a 45-24 victory. It was the third straight victory for Atlanta in the series, which has now won four of the last five meetings.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After two completed passes by Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson took a handoff on the Falcons’ third play of the game and scored a 59-yard touchdown.
New Orleans first three possessions ended with a punt, a missed 52-yard field goal, and a fumble by Kendre Miller.
Atlanta took that turnover, which they challenged to get, and turned it into points. The Falcons went for it on fourth and four from the eight-yard line, and Penix’s pass was incomplete. Kool-Aid McKinstry was called for defensive holding, which gave the Falcons a first down. Atlanta took advantage of the gift as Robinson powered his way into the end zone from four yards out.
New Orleans responded as Tyler Shough connected with Chris Olave for a 44-yard completion. That put the ball at the Atlanta 10-yard line. A few plays later, Alvin Kamara scored on a three-yard touchdown run.
Atlanta answered with a 10-play, 65-yard touchdown drive capped with a Brian Robinson four-yard touchdown run. Later in the quarter, the Falcons produced a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a Nick Folk 29-yard field goal.
New Orleans got on the board in the third quarter with a 13-play, 59-yard drive, but it stalled. The Saints couldn’t find the end zone and settled for a 27-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson.
Atlanta proceeded to march down the field in nine plays, going 74 yards, and Brian Robinson ran it from eight yards out for the touchdown. With 2:11 left in the third, the Falcons led 31-10.
New Orleans found the end zone as Kamara scored on a five-yard touchdown. Atlanta answered with another touchdown drive, this one capped with Penix completing a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.
Atlanta added another Brian Robinson rushing touchdown with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. New Orleans added a late score as Shough found Devaughn Vele for a three-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone, but it wasn’t enough.
BIG NUMBER: 205
The Falcons put up 205 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and averaged six yards per carry in Monday night’s contest.
PLAYER OF THE GAME (FALCONS): BIJAN ROBINSON
Atlanta’s star running back was a problem for New Orleans all night as he rushed for 145 yards on 19 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns.
PLAYER OF THE GAME (SAINTS): TYREE WILSON
A bright spot in Monday night’s game was the play of Saints defensive lineman Tyree Wilson, who had five tackles (four solo), one sack and one tackle for a loss.
UP NEXT: New Orleans (1-3) returns to action on Sunday when they host the Minnesota Vikings (4-0). Kickoff is set for noon.
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