Despite facing an Atlanta Falcons team without their starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. or star wideout Drake London, the New Orleans Saints fell 24-10 in the first of their two rivalry meetings. Not the outcome the Saints were looking for coming out of the bye, allowing the Falcons to break out of a 5 game losing skid.
It was a mixed outing for the Saints defense, which racked up three sacks, six tackles for a loss, and an interception, but ultimately surrendered too many explosive plays that eventually led to touchdowns. Without those big plays, the game could’ve had a very different outcome.
Going into the game, the Saints knew that containing Falcons superstar running back Bijan Robinson would be critical, as he was set to be the focal point of Atlanta’s offense due to key injuries. For the most part, the defense did a solid job keeping him in check, but it just wasn’t enough to get the job done.
Saints defense contained Bijan Robinson but explosive plays seal their fate
Robinson wrapped up the afternoon with 107 total yards, 70 rushing yards on 14 attempts and another 37 yards on two receptions. Despite the finally tally, the Saints defended him well. Two chunk plays did most of the damage for Robinson. Outside of a 32 yard burst and a 32 yard grab, the Saints held him in check. Beyond that, he struggled to find running lanes against a New Orleans front that played very physical. The Saints held their own but the stat sheet didn’t quite reflect on it.
Even with Robinson’s two big plays, the Saints defense showed their ability to rally towards the football and minimize yards after contact. Their ability to tighten up kept Atlanta from fully capitalizing on his explosiveness. This performance highlighted strong fundamentals and it was the kind of defensive showing that deserved a better outcome than the final score suggested.
Unfortunately those big plays came at the worst time. Robinson's big run took Atlanta inside the 10 yard line and led to the first touchdown of the game. The running back's catch and run came on second and 23. A penalty put the Falcons behind the sticks, then Bijan Robinson did Bijan Robinson things. The next play was a deep strike to Darnell Mooney for a touchdown.