Pierre Thomas: The Atlanta Falcons Killer

Folks, Pierre Thomas is simply a thorn in the Atlanta Falcons’ side. Over his eight season in New Orleans, Thomas has had some of his best games against the Falcons, and it has come at the best possible times.

A Closer Look – Pierre Thomas versus the Falcons
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Career Resume Against the Falcons:  

• 15 games
• 11-4 win-loss record
• 145 rush attempts, 741 rushing yards (5.11 yards per carry), 5 rushing touchdowns, 50.7 yards/game rushing
• 50 receptions, 358 receiving yards (7.16 yard average), 21.4 yards/game, 7 touchdowns
• 7 returns for 228 yards (32.57 average)
• 1,327 all-purpose yards, 12 total touchdowns

The yardage and rushing touchdowns are career highs against any franchise for PT Cruiser. Let’s take a look at the top performances for Pierre Thomas against the Falcons:

December 27, 2010

Following the Super Bowl season, the Saints (like every NFC South team) failed to win the division again. However, they made things a little bit interesting when they visited the Falcons in Week 16.

Pierre Thomas had 145 all-purpose yards (63 rushing, 39 receiving, 43 return yards) on the night, and helped start and end the game for the black and gold. Thomas would score the game’s first touchdown on a 2-yard rush, and finish the game on the final drive with 2:44 left when he was called upon four straight times to ice the game with a first down.

The Falcons would have the last laugh, as they defeated the Panthers in Week 17 while the Saints would fall to the Buccaneers. This ultimately forced the Saints to head to Seattle. You know the rest.

November 21, 2013

2013 is a season that the Atlanta Falcons would soon like to forget, as the team finished 4-12. The Saints were having themselves a great season with the return of head coach Sean Payton and first year defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

The Falcons, who spoiled the Saints season the previous year by defeating them and halting Drew Brees‘ consecutive game touchdown passing streak, had another opportunity to upend the team.

Pierre Thomas had other plans, as he tallied 130 total yards (73 rushing, 57 receiving) on just 15 touches. Although he didn’t score, his 8.7 yards per play fueled the Saints more than a little bit to escape with a 17-13 victory in the Georgia Dome.

November 2, 2009

2009 will be forever remembered as the best season in Saints history by many, as the team won their first Super Bowl. En route to an incredible 13-0 start, those pesky Falcons stood in the Saints way on Monday Night Football.

New Orleans and Atlanta, like many of the games played in the Sean Payton Era, traded early scores. Thomas had a first quarter 22-yard score, which we can all replay the image off the top of our heads, but just in case:

Thomas would finish the night with two scores (one receiving, one rushing), 91 yards on 14 carries, and help the Saints move to 7-0.

December 7, 2008

Pierre Thomas was the ultimate weapon for the Saints, as he had his break out game against the Falcons in 2008. Thomas would score twice (rushing and receiving), go over 100 yards rushing on just 16 carries, and even had an 88-yard kick return in front of the home crowd.

The Saints would rally to beat the Falcons after taking an early lead in the fourth quarter, thanks to the go ahead score by PT (he also put the Saints ahead), and Thomas would seal the win with a 4-yard gain for a first down in the final minutes.

Any of the past performances mentioned could easily present themselves when the Saints take on the Falcons in Week 16, and Who Dat Nation hopes that PT Cruiser will continue his documented success against those hated Dirty Birds.

What is your favorite memory of Pierre Thomas facing the Falcons? Sound off below!

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) celebrates a New Orleans Saints touchdown during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 37-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports