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Falcons vs. Saints: Score and Twitter Reaction for Monday Night Football
- Updated: September 27, 2016
The Atlanta Falcons last made the playoffs in the 2012 season, but their offense appeared primed to change that drought during Monday’s 45-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Atlanta is now 2-1 and alone in first place in the NFC South following its win at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
The Saints are 0-3 and looking up at the Falcons and the rest of the division.
Captain Ryan and the Falcons get it done! pic.twitter.com/6F4sY5ixjw
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 27, 2016
The Falcons handled the Saints with a three-headed offensive attack Monday. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, adding 23 yards on the ground. Running back Tevin Coleman scored three times on 12 carries, while running back Devonta Freeman tallied a game-high 152 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Freeman also had 55 receiving yards and a touchdown catch, while Coleman added 47 receiving yards. They were Atlanta’s leading receivers, as Julio Jones finished with just one catch for 16 yards.
ESPN Stats & Info and Elias Sports demonstrated just how long it’s been since the Falcons earned such a road win:
Falcons snap 12-game road losing streak on Monday Night Football, 1st such road win since 1979 (via @eliassports)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 27, 2016
New Orleans was impressive on offense as well, but it didn’t have enough to overcome the lackluster effort from its defense.
Drew Brees threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, but he made a critical mistake in the fourth quarter when Deion Jones intercepted a pass and ran it back for a score. Tight end Coby Fleener led the Saints’ pass-catchers with 109 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss.
Atlanta and New Orleans made news prior to kickoff when they spread a “message of togetherness” by joining arms, as the Saints shared:
With a message of togetherness, the Falcons and Saints lock arms and put the rivalry aside for a moment before #MNF. #Together #ATLvsNO pic.twitter.com/k82MiIDDQX
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 27, 2016
On the field, it didn’t take long for either offense to find the end zone. New Orleans scored a touchdown on the opening possession when Brees hit Fleener to cap off an 11-play, 75-yard march. The defense forced Atlanta to punt on the subsequent possession, but returner De’Vante Harris fumbled and set the Falcons up inside the red zone.
Atlanta took advantage of the opportunity and scored on a two-yard run from Coleman three plays later. It was Coleman’s second touchdown of the year, surpassing his total from all of …
