NFL officially began three weeks ago. Most of the teams are now acquainted with their teammates and systems implemented by their coaches. A long season awaits all teams.
Falcons 45, Saints 32
NFL.com reports that Tevin Coleman got three touchdowns, Devonta Freeman also got one touchdown and Deion Jones intercepted a pass and brought it back for 90 yards that secured their second straight win and able them to lead the NFC South with a 2-1 record.
Quarterback Matt Ryan did a great job on passing and made the Saints guessing on the plays he has been making. Ryan passed for two TDs for the total of 240 yards. The report also stated that the game was played nearly 10 years after the Saints' return to the Superdome on Sept. 25, 2006, 13 months after Hurricane Katrina struck the city in 2005. The loss made the Saints still winless (0-3) for the season, an exact opposite when they a 3-0 record in 2006.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees still put his usual number - 376 yards and three touchdown passing - but his pass that was intercepted by Deion Jones in the fourth quarter proved to be costly for the team. The interception gave the Falcons a 45-25 lead that the Saints cannot overhaul.
According to News & Observer, it was a fulfilling win for the Falcons (2-1), with the team having just had two victories on the Superdome on their 10 trips there. The report also says that Saints don't have any answer to Falcons running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman as they were never stopped by Saints defensive line. It is also not helping Saints' cause when key players are sidelined due to injuries including defensive tackles Tyeler Davison and Sheldon Rankins who could prevent Freeman and Coleman domination on the field. However, Saints coach Sean Payton never used the injuries as an excuse and the team must play smart.
Another good thing for the Saints is the revelation of Coby Fleener, who caught seven passes good for 109 yards and one touchdown. Coach Payton might use Fleener more often to make an impact on the offensive end.
