A multitude of elements went into the New Orleans Saints’ seven-game losing streak being snapped Sunday in a 20-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons. From Alvin Kamara breaking the franchise record for rushing to Marquez Valdes-Scantling recording his first two touchdowns of the season to Tyrann Mathieu sealing the game with a clutch fourth-quarter interception, it was all smiles for interim head coach Darren Rizzi after getting the victory in his first game as the frontman in the Big Easy.
Here’s a quick recap of the matchup between the New Orleans Saints (3-7) and the Atlanta Falcons (6-4).
Scoring summary
While neither team managed to score in the first quarter, the Saints scored 17 points in the second behind a Blake Grupe field goal and back-to-back touchdown receptions by Valdes-Scantling. Sunday was Valdes-Scantling’s second game on the active roster, but it sure didn’t look like it.
First TD as a Saint coming in the Dome vs the Falcons 🙌#EasyToCelebrate | @BudLight pic.twitter.com/LfKAFikX31
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 10, 2024
Two TDs in his Dome Debut. @MVS__11 🫡
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/x8jgzAIGyK
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 10, 2024
The Falcons slid a scoring drive in there, as well, as running back Bijan Robinson found the end zone on a one-yard drive. Worth noting, Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo – who hit a game-winner against New Orleans in week four – missed two field goals in the second quarter to keep the game at 17-7 going into halftime.
Despite the Saints only producing another Grupe field goal in the second half, the New Orleans defense had enough breathing room on the scoreboard to hold off Atlanta’s offense. Even with Robinson finding another score and Koo getting one through the uprights in the third quarter, defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ group stood strong in the fourth quarter and held the Falcons scoreless.
Paired with another missed field goal from Koo – making for the first game in his career to have three failed attempts – the Saints squeezed out the 20-17 win.
What the coach said
Rizzi, who stepped in as head coach after Dennis Allen was fired on Monday, was indeed full of energy after the game. His triumphant debut came not only against the NFC South’s first-place team but also the Saints’ oldest regional rival.
“What an unbelievable week,” Rizzi recounted to reporters. “Today doesn’t happen without a complete buy-in. Nothing substitutes like preparation.”
Rizzi also took some time to tout Mathieu’s game-sealing interception of Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins, which Rizzi pointed out not only sealed the game but could be the play that puts the franchise back on track after a horrendous first half of the season.
THE HONEY BADGER TAKES WHAT HE WANTS.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/EW3gy44UtU
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 10, 2024
“Honey Badger’s interception was the biggest play of the game because we were losing some momentum,” Rizzi said. “Everybody in the organization was phenomenal this week, and the city should be pissed off – they know what a winner looks like.”
Numbers never lie
This week’s captain for the Saints, running back Alvin Kamara, received the game ball from Rizzi after eclipsing the mark for most career rushing yards in the organization’s 57-year history. Kamara’s 55 yards gave him 6,544 yards in eight seasons with New Orleans, passing Mark Ingram’s previous record of 6,500.
“It means a lot that Rizzi gave me the game ball,” Kamara said. “I’m not one to really celebrate my successes, but…I’m going to cherish it. Eight years being here makes me feel special.”
Join Kamara atop the box score was quarterback Derek Carr, who threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns in his second game back from injury. His two passing scores both went to Valdes-Scantling, who finished with 109 yards on three catches.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Demario Davis led the Saints with 12 tackles while the unit as a whole finished with three sacks, six tackles for loss, and Mathieu’s late interception.
Next up
The New Orleans Saints will host the Cleveland Browns (2-7) on Sunday, Nov. 17, with kickoff set for noon CT. The game will be broadcast on FOX.
