Falcons face Saints in New Orleans

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons face Saints in New Orleans

Atlanta Falcons face New Orleans Saints at Louisana Superdome for chance to cement spot in NFC Wild Card race and playoffs for first time since 2004.

Falcons starting free safety Erik Coleman, who sustained a quadriceps contusion last week at San Diego, gets fired up before the start of action against division rival Saints in New Orlans. Coleman was set to start.

Falcons coach Mike Smith and veteran kick Jason Elam have a few words during pre-game warmups in New Orleans.

Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) makes a 59-yard reception over Saints safety Roman Harper that set up Atlanta's first score.

Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) breaks free to score the Falcons first touchdown on a five-yard run in the second quarter.

Wide receiver Brian Finneran goes over Saints cornerback Usama Young on a 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan with just over two minutes left in the first half. The reception gave the Falcons a 14-13 lead until the Saints kicked a field goal with 3 seconds left before the half.

The Saints limited Falcons running back Micheal Turner to 61 yards on 18 carries.

Falcons wide receiver Roddy White finished with 10 catches for a career-high 164 yards receiving.

Falcons tight end Justin Peelle is dragged down after his one catch of the day for 9 yards.

Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan had a 12-yard run for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

Falcons running back Jason Snelling had two carries for 5 yards. New Orleans held Atlanta to 99 yards rushing as a team.

Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) stiff arms Falcons cornerback Domonique Foxworth as New Orleans forged a late charge against Atlanta.

Falcons linebacker Michael Boley comes up empty-handed as he almost took away a Drew Brees pass late in the fourth quarter.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith throws the red flag to challenge a referee's spot of a Saints' first down and goal late in the fourth quarter. The call was upheld. New Orleans would score what would be the winning touchdown with 5 minutes remaining.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank grimaces on the sidelines as the Saints' Pierre Thomas' 5-yard run gives New Orleans the lead with five minutes remaining.

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Falcons starting free safety Erik Coleman, who sustained a quadriceps contusion last week at San Diego, gets fired up before the start of action against division rival Saints in New Orlans. Coleman was set to start.

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