The Atlanta Falcons are the Saints’ worst nightmare. A power-running, ball-control team that is also just efficient enough in the passing game to keep the ball out of Drew Brees’ hands.
Today, the Saints lost their first standings-meaningful game in a year in overtime to the Falcons, wasting a career best game from Lance Moore. The Saints were lucky they could extend the game to overtime.
After hitting a clutch kick to send the game into overtime, Garrett Hartley missed a short field goal in overtime that would have won it for the Saints. The Falcons methodically took advantage with their grind it out game plan until Matt Bryant took aim from 46 yards. He didn’t miss and the Saints lost 27-24.
Sean Payton, the Juicy Fruit Genius, made a couple of errors. Chris Ivory fumbled on his first official NFL carry, on 4th and 1 – not exactly an ideal intro play for a rookie. The decision to kick on first down after the Saints smartly moved the ball to the 11 in overtime was another rare mistake by Payton. After 12 quarters of football this season, it looked like the Saints finally developed a rhythm on offense in the overtime. They moved the ball easily and seemed destined for the end zone when Payton pulled the plug on the drive to let Hartley chip it through. Except he didn’t.
But, no matter. The Saints got pushed around all day as they do from time to time, and dropped passes as they do from time to time, and Drew threw a couple of interceptions, which he does every 6 games or so. The Falcons deserved the win because they are the Saints' worst nightmare. The Saints aren't known for their run defense, and Sunday they scared no one. It is often said that you can’t win in the NFL with the power running game anymore. I’ve got a feeling we’re about to find out. The Falcons are a throwback team on their way back.
Meanwhile, what is of more concern is that the Saints are beginning to look depleted in two backfields. Tracy Porter went out early, and first round draft pick Patrick Robinson looked bewildered. Look for him to get picked on in upcoming games. Roman Harper spent time on the sideline and the subs that seem to get waived from week to week weren't up to the task. On offense, neither Chris Ivory nor Ladell Betts look healthy enough to give Pierre Thomas a break. Look for Adrian Arrington to make an entrance next week, as Payton can’t be happy with his receivers’ drops. Time to reload. Wonder what Damion Fletcher is doing? Wonder what John Carney is up to?
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