Photos: Falcons hold on, beat the Saints

Sports

Photos: Falcons hold on, beat the Saints

The Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 20-17 on Thursday night, Dec. 7, 2017.

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill (left) in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill (left) in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe (92) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) sack Drew Brees in the second half, putting an end to their drive. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill (left) in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) puts on a football move on a long run after a catch that set up Atlanta's first field goal. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: The celebration begins as Falcons linebacker Deion Jones hits the ground intercepting Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: The celebration begins as Falcons linebacker Deion Jones hits the ground intercepting Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons cornerback Robert Alford drags linebacker Deion Jones out of the endzone celebrating after Jones intercepted Saints quarterback Drew Brees to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Ricardo Allen celebrates as Falcons linebacker Deion Jones hits the ground intercepting Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons players mob linebacker Deion Jones on the ground after he intercepted Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) drags Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) out of the New Orleans Saints end zone after he intercepted the ball during the second half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates after incepting the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) receives a hug after intercepting the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) gains five yards on the Falcons first possession. The drive ended in a field goal. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) signals no catch after the Falcons held the Saints to a field goal on their first possession. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) carries a completed pass during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) misses a tackle as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) carries a completed pass down the field during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, who will be inducted in the Ring of Honor at halftime, shares a laugh with former quarterback Michael Vick on the sidelines before the Falcons play the Saints in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons legends center Jeff Van Note and running back William Andrews share a laugh on the sidelines before the Falcons play the Saints in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. The pair are on hand to help honor Warrick Dunn being inducted into the Ring of Honor. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan gives owner Arthur Blank a hug before playing the Saints in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons former running backs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett share a hug on the sidelines before the Falcons play the Saints in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Dunn will be inducted into the Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick stands on the sidelines before the start of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White receives a hug while socializing on the sidelines before the start of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Falcons fans try to get the attention of players as they warm up on the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) extends a catch near the end of the second quarter that lead to a Falcons TD. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo (80) extends a catch near the end of the second quarter that lead to a Falcons TD. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (11) couldn't be stopped from this second quarter TD by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59). Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with referees during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Andre Roberts (19) while returning the ball during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (11) reacts after making a touchdown during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (11) dives and completes a touchdown during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs the ball during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Craig Robertson (52) signals an incomplete pass during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons Matt Bryant kicks what proved to be the game winner for a 20-17 lead over the Saints during the fourth quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons safety Kemal Ishmael celebrates beating the Saints 20-17 in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Saints safety Marcus Williams intercepts Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones in the endzone during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons center Alex Mack celebrates beating the Saints 20-17 in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - An Atlanta Falcons fan cheers in the stands during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe (92) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the second half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) rushes the ball during the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons head coach Dan Quinn celebrates beating the Saints 20-17 in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe (92) and Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) celebrate after they sacked Drew Brees in the second half, putting an end to their drive. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) on a run after a catch in the second half. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) pushes forward in the red zone on a drive that ended with an interception in the end zone. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

12/7/17 - Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) rolls away from pressure in the second half, and threw the ball out of bounds. Atlanta Falcons play their rival, the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons fullback Derrick Coleman levels Saints safety Vonn Bell opening the hole for running back Devonta Freeman to score a touchdown to take a 10-3 lead during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn with his son Paxton waves to the crowd as he is inducted into the Ring of Honor during half time against the Saints in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

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December 7, 2017 Atlanta: Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass intended for tight end Josh Hill (left) in the endzone to hold on to a 20-17 victory in a NFL football game on Thursday, December 7, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

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