Running back Steven Jackson made a strong debut with the Falcons. He also believes he could have helped win the game.
On the third-and-goal from the 3-yard line in the final minute, Matt Ryan’s pass clanked off of Jackson’s shoulder pads and fell incomplete at the goal line.
With a reception, the score would have been tied and kicker Matt Bryant could have given the Falcons the lead with 49 seconds to play.
“It wasn’t the easiest catch, but I’m not a person that makes excuses,” Jackson said.
He finished with 16 touches for 122 total yards. He also set up a third-quarter touchdown with a 50-yard run.
“On that particular play, we caught them in a run blitz,” Jackson said. “I made a cut off the backside and the line did a good job of washing the guys down. I just made the best out of the situation.”
Signed as a free agent during the offseason after opting out of his contract with St. Louis, Jackson has rushed for 1,000 yards over each of the past eight years and entered the season with 10,135 career rushing yards.
The Falcons felt that he was an upgrade over former running back Michael Turner because of his pass-catching ability. In addition to the late drop, Jack dropped a pass earlier in the game.
Falcons coach Mike Smith was still pleased with Jackson’s performance. He finished with 77 rushing yards in 11 carries.
“I thought we were able to run the ball effectively at times,” Smith said. “There were times when we needed to do it better. I think he’s a great addition to our offense. It shows what he’s capable of doing in the scheme that we are running.”
It was also Jackson’s indoctrination to the rivalry with the Saints.
“It was definitely something that I expected,” Jackson said. “I knew it would be a tough and hard game. I knew the environment here in New Orleans would be loud. The rivalry is as competitive as I thought it was.”
Nevertheless, the Falcons had trouble blocking the Saints’ defensive front.
“They did a good job of mixing personnel up,” Jackson said. “When the opportunity came up, they made the plays to keep us off the field and at the end of the day, that made the difference. They played lot of different defensive fronts. There was a lot of defensive personnel that they showed.”
Despite the drops, Jackson believes the Falcons’ offense can improve. Next opponent: Jackson’s old team, the Rams on Sunday.
“As a unit, we want to get better,” Jackson said. “We are going to gel, especially in the run game. We are going to continue to get better over the weeks as we go through battles together.”
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