The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints, 26-9, Sunday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Falcons defense held the Saints to three field goals – two were red zone stops – marking the first game since 1997 that Atlanta held New Orleans to less than 10 points. Sunday's game was also the first since 2005 that a team held the Saints under 10 points in the Superdome. This game marks the first time a 1-7 team defeated a 7-1 team since 2003 (Jaguars vs. Colts).
The Falcons offensive line paved the way for a season-best 143 rushing yards on 34 carries, an average of 4.2 yards per carry, while allowing only one sack on the day. The ground attack was led by Brian Hill who logged 20 carries for 61 yards. Hill also caught a 10-yard touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter, marking his first career receiving touchdown and second consecutive game registering a touchdown.
The Falcons defense held the Saints to 52 rushing yards and posted season-high six sacks - the most Brees has taken since 2013 (Week 16). Grady Jarrett led the team with 2.5 sacks and five of the team's 11 QB hits. Other players who posted a sack: Vic Beasley 1.5 sacks, De'Vondre Campbell 1.0 sack and Adrian Clayborn 1.0 sack.
The defense also dominated on third down, holding the Saints to 3-of-12 on third downs, when the Saints were a top 10 team entering the game
Coming back from an injury, Matt Ryan completed 20-of-35 passes for 182 yards, two passing touchdowns and one interception for a 78.5 QB rating. Ryan also registered two rushing first downs to keep the momentum on the team's two touchdown drives.
Austin Hooper posted four receptions for 17 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown in second quarter. The four-year pro has posted four consecutive games with a touchdown, tied with Green Bay's Jamaal Williams for longest active streak in the NFL. The Stanford alum also continues his 10-game streak with at least four receptions, the longest active streak by a tight end.
The Falcons offense had four scoring drives of at least 10 plays today, marking 20 drives on the season and 16 that have led to a score. The Falcons have the fourth-most 10-plus play scoring drives in the NFL, trailing the Chiefs, the Ravens, and the Raiders.
Younghoe Koo went four-for-four (37, 36, 48, 30) on field goals in his debut with the Atlanta Falcons. This marked Koo's fifth NFL game and he is now 7-for-10 in his career, including today's career-long 48 yard kick.
Get an inside look at Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints with top photos from the field at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Louisiana
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome before the game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 shakes hands with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 before the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn exits the locker room before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard James Carpenter #77 looks on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of Atlanta Falcons defensive back Jordan Miller #28 before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26, strong safety Damontae Kazee #27 and free safety Ricardo Allen #37 look on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 prepares to snap the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 gestures during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell #59 reacts after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the first quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 lines up against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore #23 during the first half of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 after Hooper caught a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 after Hooper caught a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action rushing during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the coin toss before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
A detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons military appreciation salute to service hat during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action running for yards after a catch during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action running during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman #24 catches the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18, center Alex Mack #51, wide receiver Julio Jones #11, quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and free safety Ricardo Allen #37 take the field for the coin toss before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 leads the huddle during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 looks on before the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action running during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 in action running during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper #81 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 knocks the helmet off of New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith #10 during the third quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 knocks the helmet off of New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith #10 during the third quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 gestures during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 scores a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Mark Brown/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates with wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates with running back Kenjon Barner #38 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on smiling after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton shake hands after the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn #99 reacts after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the second half of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees #9 during the second half of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Action from the game between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes- Benz Superdome on Sunday, November 10, 2019. (Photo by Michael DeMocker)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank shakes hands with kicker Younghoe Koo #7 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank shakes hands with wide receiver Julio Jones #11 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 smiles during the second half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA, on Sunday November 10, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
