Falcons Snap Losing Streak with Impressive Win Against Saints
The Atlanta Falcons emerged victorious in a much-needed 24-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, finally breaking a five-game losing streak. The atmosphere inside the Caesars Superdome was filled with palpable relief as the Falcons celebrated their return to the win column after a tumultuous stretch.
Overcoming Adversity
This victory came in the face of significant adversity. The Falcons were without their starting quarterback due to injury and were also missing star wide receiver Drake London, alongside two other players placed on injured reserve. Despite these setbacks, the team’s determination shone through, making the win against their division rivals all the more satisfying.
Recent weeks have been challenging for the Falcons, characterized by a string of heartbreaking losses that seemed to pile up with each passing Sunday. However, Week 12 marked a turning point, showcasing one of the team’s most comprehensive performances of the season.
Kirk Cousins Steers the Offense
Kirk Cousins, stepping in for the injured Michael Penix Jr., delivered a steady performance at quarterback. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 199 yards, demonstrating poise and efficiency. Notably, wide receivers Darnell Mooney and David Sills V each scored touchdowns, marking the first time this season that Falcons’ receivers not named London found the end zone.
The offensive scheme also saw a shift, with Cousins spending more time under center, a change that head coach Raheem Morris noted was crucial for accommodating his veteran quarterback. “That’s what Kirk’s been throughout his whole career,” Morris stated. “We wanted to make him look the best and feel comfortable operating out there.”
Rushing Attack Shows Life
The running game also made significant strides, accumulating 121 rushing yards. Bijan Robinson continued to assert himself, recording his seventh game of 100 or more total yards. Tyler Allgeier contributed effectively, particularly in the second half, helping to seal the victory.
Nevertheless, the offense was not without its blemishes. A pick-six thrown to Justin Reid after an aggressive pass intended for Kyle Pitts reminded fans of the inconsistencies that have plagued the team. Additionally, the Falcons struggled on third down, converting only 25% of their attempts (3-for-12) and were limited to just 16 plays in the second half compared to the Saints’ 51.
Defensive Dominance Amidst Challenges
On the defensive side, the Falcons were relentless, sacking rookie quarterback Tyler Shough five times. This marked the fourth consecutive game in which the defense recorded five or more sacks, showcasing the development of the young pass rushers. “Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve really been able to show that,” Morris remarked on the progress of his defense.
The return of linebacker Divine Deablo was felt immediately, as he led the team with eight tackles. The Falcons’ defense managed to restrict the Saints to a mere 293 total yards and only three offensive points. The first half was particularly impressive, with the Falcons allowing just 95 yards—their best defensive showing of the season.
However, the Saints did make a push in the third quarter, stringing together two long drives. Despite this, the Falcons held firm, limiting New Orleans to just three points after defending against nine plays inside their own 10-yard line.
Looking Ahead
While the victory is a significant boost for the Falcons, the road ahead remains challenging. At 4-7, they have avoided the bottom of the NFC South but still find themselves 2.5 games behind the division-leading Buccaneers. The upcoming matchup against the Jets presents an opportunity for the Falcons to build on this momentum as they strive to recover from their midseason struggles.
Morris expressed pride in his team’s performance, calling it a “really well-played game.” He credited his coordinators for their game plan and execution, which kept the Saints out of the end zone.
This victory may not erase the frustrations of the past five weeks, but it offers a glimmer of hope for the Falcons as they look to regain their footing in the playoff race.
