Atlanta Falcons (5-6) – New Orleans Saints (5-6): 24-15
Back to basics in Atlanta, and with success. After several failed outings, the Falcons focused on what they knew how to do: pounding on the ground to open up pass gaps. Opposite, the Saints were close most of the match, but faced with a gala Jessie Bates, Dennis Allen’s men fell to a negative result.
Bijan Robinson, finally
Selected at the top of the last draft, Bijan Robinson (16 races, 91 yards, 1 rushing TD, 3 receptions, 32 yards, 1 receiving TD) is used as the main offensive weapon of this Falcons team, built to run. Marker on the ground in the second quarter, Robinson did it again in the second period, this time in the air. A demonstration of versatility for the nugget who, for the first time this season, has two games over 100 yards.
And when it’s not Robinson, the very good Tyler Allgeier (10 races, 64 yards) is there to take over.
Without being able to make very long distance races, the Falcons methodically marched on the Saints without a solution. In the end, 228 yards rushing for Atlanta, with an average of 5.6 yards per carry. Desmond Ridder saves himself and only throws 21 passes (13 completed, for 168 yards and 1 TD), time to make Drake London shine (5 receptions, 91 yards).
The Saints attack at half mast
As since the start of the season, New Orleans’ attack lacks sparkle. Without Michael Thomas injured again, Derek Carr (24/38, 304 yards, 1 interception) forces on Chris Olave (7 receptions, 114 yards), the only light in the Louisiana doldrums. Released on concussion protocol, the receiver leaves Carr without a solution. Above all, Jessie Bates lurks in the backfield.
The safety delivers a sparkling performance. First of all by opening his team’s counter on a pick sixthen being a real terror throughout the rest of the match: 12 tackles and 1 pass defended!
By counting on his strong men in attack and defense, Arthur Smith is using a recipe that worked at the start of the season. On the Saints side, we don’t really know where this team wants to go.
