The trash-talking Saints had promised the Falcons a funeral, but a tenacious play by two backup defenders on Jimmy Graham’s catch at the goal line helped save Atlanta’s postseason hopes and ultimately provided the dirge for the Saints.
The 30-14 Falcons’ triumph that eliminated the Saints from playoff contention Sunday may be most remembered for officials’ decision to rule Graham’s fourth-quarter catch a fumble instead of a touchdown or even forward progress stopped at the 1-yard line.
“Did I think it was a score? Yes,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “It looked pretty clear and yet — look — it is what it is, right? They go back to (NFL headquarters in) New York with that, and it’s disappointing.”
Graham’s fumble came on the first play of the fourth quarter. The star tight end leaped to grab Drew Brees’ pass and came down at the goal line, his body writhing as he tried to force his way past reserve safety Dezmen Southward. Fellow Falcons safety Kemal Ishmael converged immediately and ripped the ball away, then recovered it.
The initial ruling was a fumble and Falcons recovery.
Graham’s forward progress appeared to have been stopped before the ball came loose, but that was not reviewable.
At least one replay angle showed that the ball may have broken the plane of the goal line, and the Superdome crowd roared when it was shown on large video boards. However, referee John Parry could not find evidence conclusive enough to overturn the call. Parry’s announcement spawned a cascade of boos from anxious Saints fans.
A touchdown would have made it 20-14 with a full quarter to play. Instead the Saints remained down 20-7.
“There was nothing clear and undisputable to make a change to the ruling from the field,” Parry said.
Graham was not present when locker rooms were opened to reporters.
“I was too busy putting my face in his ribs. I was just trying to keep him out,” Southward said. “All that credit goes to Kemal, obviously coming in and not quitting on the play.”
Brees said he thought Graham scored, calling the consequences of the ruling, “huge.”
And yet the story of the fourth quarter might well have been a Falcons’ defense that forced three turnovers, including an interception by Robert McClain that set up a clinching field goal and a final-play sack and TD fumble recovery by Osi Umenyiora.
It all resulted in a fifth consecutive home loss for the Saints.
About the Author
