In a much-needed win, the New Orleans Saints secured their first victory since the firing of head coach Dennis Allen, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-17 in the National Football League (NFL). Interim coach Darren Rizzi guided the team to a much-anticipated victory, ending a frustrating seven-game losing streak for the Saints.
Koo’s missed kicks cost the Falcons
The game was marked by a series of missed opportunities for the Falcons, particularly from kicker Younghoe Koo. Koo, who had been solid for Atlanta this season, missed three field goals in the game, including a crucial 46-yard attempt with 6:39 left in the fourth quarter. The kick clanged off the right upright, preventing Atlanta from tying the game.
In addition to the miss late in the game, Koo also failed on a 53-yard attempt in the first quarter and had a 35-yard field goal attempt blocked just before halftime. Before Week 10, Koo had been successful on 16 of his 20 field goals, including a strong 5-for-7 from 50 yards or more.
Falcons’ final push falls short
Despite the missed kicks, Atlanta had one final chance to either tie the game or take the lead. With five minutes left, quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an ill-advised pass into double coverage over the middle, which was intercepted by Tyrann Mathieu, effectively ending the Falcons' hopes for a comeback.
Following the turnover, the Falcons’ defence stepped up and forced the Saints into a quick 3-and-out. However, the Saints dodged a bullet when Alvin Kamara dropped a wide-open pass on a 3rd-and-4, a play that would likely have gone for a touchdown and sealed the game.
Saints’ offence steps up
Derek Carr led the Saints' offence, completing 16-of-25 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdown passes were thrown to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who finished the game with three receptions for 109 yards.
Kamara, who played a crucial role in the Saints' offensive attack, rushed for 55 yards on 17 carries and added 54 yards receiving on five catches.
Falcons’ final drive ends in disaster
Atlanta had one last chance to tie the game, and Cousins connected with receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney to move into New Orleans territory. However, disaster struck when Cousins was sacked by Saints defensive lineman Chase Young on 1st-and-10 from the Saints' 49-yard line.
Young’s sack forced a fumble, which was recovered by Falcons' lineman Jake Matthews, but the play resulted in a significant 19-yard loss and all but ended Atlanta’s hopes.
Falcons' offensive struggles
Cousins finished the game with 250 yards, completing 18-of-33 passes, but his critical mistakes at key moments hampered the Falcons’ chances. Running back Bijan Robinson had a strong performance, rushing for 116 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. London also contributed with seven receptions for 86 yards.
NFC South standings
Despite the loss, the Falcons remain in control of the NFC South, holding a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta drops to 6-4 but still has the advantage in the division race.
