Photo by: New Orleans Saints Athletics Media Department
In a tightly contested matchup between two long-time rivals, the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons faced off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. Both teams entered the game tied with 55 victories each in the series, underscoring the competitive nature of this rivalry. The game came down to the wire, with Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo securing a 26-24 win for Atlanta after drilling a 58-yard field goal with only two seconds remaining.
The loss dropped the Saints to 2-2 on the season, matching the Falcons’ record. Despite the loss, New Orleans put up a strong fight, with standout performances from Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr. Kamara scored a late-game touchdown that gave the Saints a 24-23 lead with just one minute left to play. However, a crucial pass interference penalty against cornerback Paulson Adebo helped Atlanta move into field goal range, where Koo’s kick ultimately decided the game.
Throughout the contest, the Saints battled adversity, including an early mistake when Rashid Shaheed muffed a punt that the Falcons recovered for a touchdown. Another key moment came when linebacker Troy Andersen returned an interception by Derek Carr for a 47-yard touchdown. The interception, caused by a deflected pass from Falcons defensive end Matthew Judon, gave Atlanta a significant lead in the first half.
Taysom Hill provided much-needed offense for the Saints early on, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first half. His first, a 2-yard run, capped off a strong opening drive by New Orleans, marking the fourth straight game they’ve scored a touchdown on their opening possession this season. Hill added a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter after an interception by Paulson Adebo.
Carr finished the game completing 28 of 36 passes for 239 yards with one interception. Kamara had 19 carries for 77 yards and added seven receptions for 42 yards. Wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed were also productive, with Olave catching eight passes for 87 yards, while Shaheed recorded a career-high eight receptions for 83 yards.
Despite injuries to key players such as Hill, linebacker Demario Davis, and safety Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints remained competitive throughout the game. Hill left in the second quarter with an abdominal injury, while Davis missed the first game of his 13-year career due to injury. His replacement, Willey Gay, later exited with a hand injury.
The Saints’ next challenge will be a primetime matchup on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, as New Orleans looks to bounce back and return to the win column.
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