Falcons prevail in NFC South showdown with Saints
A brief look at the Falcons’ 30-14 victory over the Saints
How the game was won: The Falcons took control of the game right before halftime with a 15-play, 89-yard touchdown drive to take a 13-7 lead. Matt Ryan and the offense was 4-of-4 on third-down conversions during the stellar drive. Running back Devonta Freeman added a dazzling 31-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and safety Kemal Ishmael came up with a takeaway on an apparent touchdown pass to Saints tight end Jimmy Graham with 14:49 left in the fourth quarter. The Falcons, who entered the game last in the league with 16 sacks, attacked Saints quarterback Drew Brees and sacked him four times. With a chance to take the lead with a touchdown drive, Falcons cornerback Robert McClain intercepted Brees with under three minutes to play to secure the victory. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan completed 30 of 40 passes for 322 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Julio Jones, in his return from a hip injury, caught seven passes for 107 yards.
Notable: The Falcons can win the NFC South title with a victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. …The Falcons appeared to benefit from a questionable call on the Graham touchdown. The replays appeared to show Graham breaking the plane with the ball. …Running back Steve Jackson left the game with a quadriceps injury and did not return. …Falcons safety William Moore (shoulder) left the game and did not return.
Number: 19. Julio Jones had his 19th game with 100 yards receiving or more.
Next: The Falcons play the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
