From dream to nightmare for Desmond Ridder not sure of keeping his place next season, like Arthur Smith?
New Orleans Saints (9-8) – Atlanta Falcons (7-10): 48-17
The Saints remain hopeful. While waiting for the results from the Packers and the Seahawks, New Orleans did its part of the job, taking advantage of Atlanta's weaknesses. Now Green Bay and Seattle need to lose to send the Saints to the finals.
After a successful first period, the second period of Desmond Ridder (22/30, 291 yards, 2 TDs, INT) demonstrated why Arthur Smith put him on the bench during the season. By completely breaking down in the second half, the Falcons let slip away (once again) a match that was within their reach.
Opposite, Dennis Allen's men put on a show that has rarely been seen at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Derek Carr (22/28, 264 yards, 4 TDs) produced his best performance of the season. With 5 touchdowns, it is the first time that the Saints have exceeded 40 points this season.
blow for blow
The 2 teams struggle in the first period. The Falcons shoot first through Jonnu Smith (3 REC, 29 yards, TD), the Saints respond through AT Perry. Then, do it again with the rookie running backs. Bijan Robinson (11 races, 7 REC, 131 yards, TD) first on reception, then Kendre Miller (13 races, 73 yards, TD) in an elastic movement which responds to him. Then, the defenses pull together, and allow few yards, forcing punts.
Finally, the last 2 offensive series are like the first period, lively and pleasant. But, these will only be concluded with 3 more points for each. Quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Derek Carr are very clean so far with only 6 missed passes in 34 cumulative throws.
Derek Carr delights
The first offensive series of the second period will signal the beginning of the end of Atlanta's hopes of victory. Desmond Ridder is intercepted, and the gap will suddenly increase. Derek Carr is first lucky to find Chris Olave (3 REC, 56 yards, TD), then, it is the talent of his arm that expresses itself, allowing him to find Rasheed Shaheed (3 REC, 65 yards, TD). 21 unanswered points which allow the Saints to escape definitively.
Atlanta has the opportunity to restart the match. But, once again, Desmond Ridder completely fails on a 4th attempt. Yet open, Bijan Robinson is not found by Desmond Ridder after a completely missed pass by the Falcons quarterback. The sabotage of Atlanta will then continue with a completely missed snap in their own camp, causing a lost fumble. Once again, this error has consequences, with the double from rookie receiver AT Perry (3 REC, 53 yards, 2 TDs).
After two last unsuccessful series, Arthur Smith decided to throw in the towel, putting the substitutes on for the end of the match. As a symbol, replacement quarterback Logan Woodside (3/4, 27 yards, INT) throws an interception, not far from being returned for a touchdown by Tyrann Mathieu. However, the Saints have fun, with a final touchdown from Jamaal Williams (14 races, 26 yards, TD). This does not please Arthur Smith, the Falcons coach, who ends with the same record as during his first two seasons: 7 victories and 10 defeats.
Carr has the need for Shaheed!
📺: #ATLvsNO on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/ACwvKeQTfU— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
