The Atlanta Falcons took on the New Orleans Saints in their Week 18 season finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ahead of the game, the Falcons were 7-9 and third in the NFC South while New Orleans was 6-10. The Falcons secured a 19-17 victory to end a year that hadn’t necessarily gone their way.
Here’s what went right and wrong for Atlanta.
The Run Game Stalled
The Falcons have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, led by running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson is a premier back and has been productive for the team, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and totaling more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage. But against New Orleans, the run game was not at its best.
Robinson had only 33 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Tyler Allgeier added 16 yards on seven carries. As a team, the Falcons managed just 49 rushing yards. The Saints’ front seven was able to keep Robinson contained and prevent big plays.
Drake London Resurgence
Star wide receiver Drake London bounced back with a strong performance, catching four passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. London had not been very productive since returning from a knee injury sustained in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, which forced him to miss four games.
London had three catches for 27 yards in his return in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals and just one catch for four yards in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Saints Pass Rush Causes Havoc
In addition to stalling the Falcons’ run game, the Saints’ front seven consistently pressured quarterback Kirk Cousins, sacking him four times. Cousins finished 18 of 32 for 180 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Falcons struggled to get their offense going, and the Saints’ defense was a major factor.
Rookie Quarterback Tyler Shough Shines in Defeat
Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had struggled for much of the season but shined against the Falcons, going 21 of 35 for 259 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. Shough made several key throws and kept his team in the game, relying heavily on veteran tight end Juwan Johnson, who led the team with three catches for 63 yards.
Six different Saints offensive players recorded multiple catches, highlighting Shough’s ability to spread the ball around. He was pressured throughout the game, as Atlanta sacked him four times. Despite that, the potential Offensive Rookie of the Year remained composed and nearly led the Saints to a victory.
