ATLANTA _ The Saints invited the Falcons into the shootout.
Almost 1,000 yards and after the ninth lead change, the Saints prevailed 43-37 in overtime over the Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Quarterback Drew Brees scored on a 1-yard run on the 15th play of overtime to help the Saints improve to 2-1. The Falcons dropped to 1-2 on the season.
"This is really tough," Falcons center Alex Mack said. "This is a hard way to lose in overtime. We put a lot into the game in our (preparation) time, but it's early in the season and we are going to see these guys again."
The Falcons' injury-riddled defense was just too porous _ with a double-digit missed tackles count _ and couldn't stop the Saints, who amassed 534 yards of offense. The Falcons had 407 yards.
"That just can't happen at the end," defensive end Brooks Reed said. "We pride ourselves in finishing games. We just have to be better."
The offense failed when the team needed it the most. The Saints keep rallying and tied the game at 37 with 1:15 to play. The Falcons couldn't drive down and get into field goal range for the win and were forced to punt.
"We had chances offensively to finish the ball game today and we didn't do that, so that part is disappointing," quarterback Matt Ryan said.
The Falcons' defensive unit may be facing another significant loss as free safety Ricardo Allen left the game with a calf injury and did not return.
The Falcons and the Saints have been used to playing close games. Only three times since 2010 have these games been decided by more than 10 points.
The Falcons wasted stellar performances from Ryan and Calvin Ridley. Ryan completed 26 of 35 passes for 374 yards and five touchdowns. Ridley caught five passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
Ryan's five touchdowns tied a team record with Wade Wilson, who passed for five touchdowns in a 35-7 win over Tampa Bay on Dec. 13, 1992.
