A final-second 58-yard field goal lifted the Atlanta Falcons over division rival New Orleans, 26-24, on Sunday afternoon.
Going for his fourth field goal of the day, Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo was barely in range after a New Orleans pass interference call placed the ball four yards behind Koo’s career-long. With the wind in his favor and one of the strongest legs in the NFL, Koo knocked it through the uprights to give the Falcons (2-2) their second win on the year and the Saints (2-2) their second loss in a row.
Is the Kubiak attack still for real?
New Orleans got off to a hot start this season, scoring 91 points across the team’s first two games to make for two wins and a franchise record for points scored to start a season. That firepower has been tapered against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 and then most recently the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4.
But is the offense actually an issue?
It’s worth noting that the New Orleans offense was, for the most part, statistically better than Atlanta’s on Sunday. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s attack won the box score with 235 passing yards and 131 rushing yards; the main difference was turnovers.
Less than four minutes into the first quarter, KhaDerel Hodge recovered a punt muffed by Shaheed in the end zone to make for the team’s first seven. Midway through the second quarter, Troy Anderson returned a Derek Carr interception 47 yards for a touchdown. Add Koo’s four successful field goal attempts and the Falcons were able to win without an offensive touchdown.
In short, Kubiak’s offense still seems to be more efficient and has more potential than in years past, but costly turnovers will have to be scrapped if the Saints want to find wins in big games this season.
Who were the Saints missing?
On-field mistakes aside, the Saints were missing a handful of key players due to injury. The offensive line was without starting center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz. Then, two more players went down during the game – former Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay, Jr. went out with a hand injury while offensive weapon Taysom Hill left with a rib injury.
Hill’s injury was especially deflating as the listed tight end who often takes snaps at quarterback and running back scored the Saints’ first two touchdowns on runs of two yards and five yards. He didn’t see any playing time in the second half.
Linebacker and team captain Demario Davis was ruled out at the start of the game, making for the first time the Brandon native hasn’t suited up in 13 years.
What did the coach say?
After the game, New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen was visibly frustrated with the loss. However, he did say one positive gleaned was watching his team continue to fight amid injuries across the board.
“When you lose guys like we’ve lost and got that many injuries and battled back, that gives you confidence that you have a good football team,” Allen said. “It’s still about going out and winning games. Everybody faces adversity, and we’ve got to figure out a way to face this adversity and come out on the other side of it and win games while doing it.”
Stat summary
Carr finished 28-of-36 passing with 239 yards and the costly interception while Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins went 21 of 35 with 238 yards and an interception. Both were sacked once each.
In addition to Hill’s two touchdowns, running back Alvin Kamara found the end zone for the only other offensive score of the day. Kamara finished with 119 total yards on 19 rushing attempts and seven receptions.
Atlanta’s offense, while stagnant on the day, was spread out with five players totaling over 50 yards of production.
Paulson Adebo led the Saints with 12 tackles while Troy Anderson led the Falcons with 17 tackles.
Next up
Adversity only strengthens when the New Orleans Saints take on the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) on Monday Night Football in Week 5. Kickoff on Oct. 7 is set for 7:15 p.m. CT and can be watched on ESPN.
