Falcons hold off late charge by Saints 31-23 In New Orleans

by BigRegDaCommish | 4 years ago | 0 Comments

The Falcons jumped out to an early 17-0 lead on the Saints in New Orleans in Week 13.  They cashed in on a 53 yard pass from Matt Ryan to C Ridley which lead to an early T Gurley touchdown run. This was followed by a  J Rohrwasser field goal and 39 yard touchdown pass from M Ryan to H Hurst.   The defense was able to pick off Aaron Rodgers twice early in the game.

But the Saints wouldn't just fold up the tent and was able to get a 2nd quarter touchdown run from A Kamara and long 58 yard field goal from W Lutz to make it 17-10 at half.  

The Falcons then, instead of extending the lead in the 2nd half, came out and M Ryan throw a pick 6 to FS E Reid tying the score at 17 all.  Then, on the next possession, Saints MLB A Anzalone forced a Ryan fumble on a sack.  The Saints then took the lead on another Lutz field goal to make the score 20-17 Saints.  

The Falcons defense prevent A Kamara from getting loose holding him to just 14 yards on 10 carries. And even his 11 grabs only totaled 36 yards.  So on a late 3rd quarter drive, T Gurley found the endzone again making the score 24-20 Falcons.

After a 4th quarter defensive stop on 4th a 1, the Falcons got the ball back and found J Jones on a quick slant which he housed for 86 yards making the score 31-20.

The Saints got another field goal to cut the lead to 31-23 and got the ball back late in the 4th with a chance to possibly tie the game with a TD and extra point.  But DT G Jarrett got 2 huge sacks and on a desperation pass, the Falcons defense tipped an A Rodgers pass for a game sealing interception.

Next up, a rematch with the Panthers in Week 14 and then another game versus the Saints in Week 15.

Big Reg