FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons were able to pull out the 37-34 overtime victory against the New Orleans Saints in the season opener because they won the turnover battle, 2-1.
With the Saints leading 20-17 and on the Falcons’ 14-yard line in the third quarter, cornerback Robert McClain intercepted a pass intended for wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the endzone to kill the drive.
The offense converted the turnover into a touchdown.
Later in overtime, safety William Moore forced a fumble on wide receiver Marques Colston. It was recovered by linebacker Joplo Bartu.
The Falcons drove down for the game-winning 52-yard field goal.
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones had a fumble on the team’s second possession of the game.
The Saints scored on their first four possessions and held a 20-7 lead late in the second quarter.
“Well, they had their way with us a little bit in that first game,” Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said. “Drees Brees is a heck of a quarterback as we all well know. Fortunately, we got the turnover in overtime to win the ball game.”
The Falcons are plus-4 in turnover differential this season, which ranks tied for 10th in the league. However, the Falcons were not able to turn the ball over against the Packers nor Steelers in their past two games.
“It will be very difficult for us to win the game without getting turnovers,” Nolan said. “It’s hard to get them off Brees as we all well know. They are in the top five or 10 in every category. Turnovers is one of them that they are not.
“That’s an area where we have been fairly good, but the last two weeks we haven’t been as good. If we can get back on that trend, that would help us a lot.”
The defense could get a boost from the return of Moore, who missed last week with a foot injury.
FALCONS FAN MAILBAG: We take your questions from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
ICYMI: In case you missed it
GAME STORY: Steelers knock Falcons out of first place with 27-20 wi n
QUOTEBOARD: What the Falcons had to say after the loss to the Steelers
SIDEBAR: Falcons slow Bell but not Steelers wide receivers
SIDEBAR: A franchise record for Roddy White, but no reason to celebrate
COLUMN: The blame for lose No. 9 falls on Matt Ryan -- Mark Bradley
NOTEBOOK: Jones, Moore held out with injuries
BY THE NUMBERS: Steelers 27, Falcons 20
UP NEXT: The New Orleans Saints at the Superdome where the Falcons are 1-6 under Coach Smith
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