Atlanta Falcons Beat New Orleans Saints, Take NFC South Lead
The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints need no extra motivation - but with first place in the NFC South on the line Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, tensions were high.
Led by a strong rushing attack and bend-but-don't break defense, the Falcons (5-6) persevered to take a 24-15 victory over the Saints (5-6) to rise to the top of the division.
Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder made his first start since being benched in Week 9 and had an up-and-down day, going 13 of 21 for 168 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, including one in the redzone moments before halftime.
But the story of the game offensively wasn't Ridder but Atlanta's rushing attack, which mustered 229 yards and a touchdown on 40 carries.
Rookie running back Bijan Robinson led the way with 16 carries for 91 yards and a score while adding three receptions for 32 yards and another touchdown through the air.
Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson had a big day when needed most.
Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson also had strong days, taking a combined 18 carries for 107 yards and picking up multiple crucial first downs. Ridder added 31 yards on six attempts.
Defensively, the Falcons allowed over 400 total yards of offense but stood tall time and again with their backs against the wall and forced the Saints to settle for five goals from kicker Blake Grupe.
Falcons safety Jessie Bates III made possibly the biggest play of the afternoon in the first quarter, a 92-yard pick-six that resulted in a potential 14-point swing as New Orleans was driving.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr went 24 of 36 for 304 yards but no touchdowns and the game-changing interception. His favorite receiver was Chris Olave, who caught seven passes for 114 yards - all before halftime.
It was a game Atlanta felt it needed after three consecutive losses entering the bye week - and the Dirty Birds found a way to climb away victorious and vault themselves to the top of the division.
The Falcons return to action next Sunday, when they travel to take on the New York Jets (4-7) at 1 p.m. EST in MetLife Stadium.
