The Atlanta Falcons did the unthinkable on Sunday, defeating the New Orleans Saints, 26-9, and recording six sacks of quarterback Drew Brees.
The team may have screwed up its potential draft position, but it never hurts to defeat a division rival on the road. Atlanta’s defense came to play, while the offense kept the ball away from New Orleans for most of the day.
Here are four takeaways from the Falcons’ Week 10 upset.
Best Falcons defensive performance of the year
Prior to the game, it was reported that Dan Quinn had relinquished his defensive coordinator duties to linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich. The team seemed to respond well, getting after Drew Brees with six sacks, and holding the Saints to six points in the first half. Rookie CB Kendall Sheffield played well in his starting role, with Desmond Trufant out again. Overall, it was a great collective performance from Atlanta’s defense on Sunday.
Falcons offense dominated time of possession
The Falcons didn’t always take advantage of their drives with touchdowns, but their game-plan effectively kept the Saints’ offense off the field. Matt Ryan was sharp, the play-calling was fresh. Fans must be wondering where this offense has been all season. Atlanta won the time of possession battle over New Orleans, holding the ball for over 33 minutes.
Kicker Younghoe Koo was stellar in debut
Atlanta’s offense played well, but stalled out in the red zone multiple times. Luckily, newly-signed kicker Younghoe Koo was outstanding in his Falcons debut, making all six of his field goal attempts (two extra points). Koo replaced veteran Matt Bryant during the bye week, and so far it has paid off. The 25-year-old is off to a good start.
Team played the hardest it has all year
The Falcons players have yet to publicly blame Dan Quinn this season. In fact, the team has stayed unusually quiet despite starting 1-7 this season. Sunday’s performance against the Saints was a good sign this team still has some fight in it, even if it’s too little, too late. Quinn deserves credit for today, at least, but has a long way to go to save his job.
