subject: Falcons put Saints back to Earth [print this page] Atlanta defeated the defending champions 27-24 in the overtime thanks to a 46 yard field goal from Matt Bryant.
If Week 3 game between New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons had to be summarized in one phrase, probably no other would fit better than one that goes like: "opportunities are never lost, they are taken by others". This was the key of the victory for Atlanta in the epilogue of the game, making good use of a winning shot Matt Bryant's field goal with 1:55 minutes left in the overtime-right after the Saints had failed Garrett Hartley missed a field goal that could have meant a win- to do so.
The hero of the game avoided giving his impressions about the mistake that cost New Orleans not only the game, but also ended with their perfect record this season, and far from bragging about his field goal, he simply said that it is part of his job, part of what he does "for a living in the NFL". Sure it is part of his job, but he still needs to receive credit for delivering when the team needed him the most.
Converting most third downs was also vital in the construction of this huge win for Atlanta, which should serve them to strengthen their confidence. RB Michael Turner played a great part in that victory -30 carries for 114 yards and his first touchdown of the season- especially in the overtime, with plays that led his teammates that winning position.
Another player who had an impressive game on Sunday was QB Matt Ryan, who didn't suffer any interception for the second game in a row, and threw 19-for-30 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully for the Falcons he will keep this paste up against the 49ers and guide them to their third win in a row.
The virtues of the Falcons found their best ally in the multiple mistakes made by the Saints, whose defense allowed 202 yards on 50 carries to their rival. New Orleans' offense wasn't very effective neither, suffering several dropped balls in short yard situations.
QB Drew Brees wasn't having his best day, and allowed two interceptions, something unusual in him. Disappointed at his game, he didn't want to hide behind Garrett Hartley's mistake, and as a gesture of support he took some pressure off his teammate explaining that "there were a lot of things prior to that" that they could have done better to avoid losing the game. Despite those two turnovers Brees threw 30-for-38 for 365 yards and three touchdowns.
Now the Saints will have a pretty tight week trying to make the best use of their time to correct mistakes that could cost them another defeat. Their next game is at home against the Carolina Panthers, a team that also suffered a defeat this weekend against Cleveland 17-24, for their third loss of the season.
Although it seems like an easy game for the Saints to recover from their defeat and get back on track, the Panthers are against the wall and need to show signs of reaction as soon as possible, and what scenario could be better to do so than the defending champions' stadium?
