Falcons vs. Saints: Headscratchers and the tricks.
The two-pick game by Ridder
Getting rid of the turnovers during the week off? Not in that way.
Desmond Ridder, the quarterback, still needs to improve in that area after yet another game in which he committed numerous giveaways.
Notwithstanding Ridder’s errors on Sunday, the Falcons prevailed mostly because of their well-established rushing assault and their stout third-down defense.
and hat tricks.
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Saints 24–15 at home to reclaim first place in the NFC South.
The Falcons ended their three-game losing streak and took the lead in the division thanks to an acrobatic defense that was brilliant on third down and a ground attack that wore down New Orleans’ secondary.
See here for several hat tricks and brainteasers from the Falcons’ victory over the Saints.
Hat tricks
Jessie Bates assumes the role of the protector.
Whoooboy. Jessie Bates, a safety, played a fantastic defensive game. In the absence of his two forced turnovers, the Falcons are unlikely to win.
It began following a turnover on downs, just when Atlanta needed it most.
Before Bates made an amazing read and leaped the route to intercept Derek Carr’s throw, the Saints were controlling the Falcons’ secondary downfield and seemed headed for the touchdown zone.
Bates quickly changed the course of the game by taking the interception 92 yards into the end zone.
His next clutch play came in the third quarter — again, right after a Falcons turnover. With quarterback-gadget guy Taysom Hill rushing up the middle, Bates delivered a haymaker to the football and jarred it loose, forcing his second turnover on the day.
Jessie Bates has hands down been Atlanta’s best free agent signing in recent memory, and his performance against the Saints was just another accolade on an excellent first season in Atlanta.
Bijan breaks out
Good things happen when you make running back Bijan Robinson a focal point on offense and he showed it on Sunday against the Saints.
Robinson finished the day with 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, as well as three receptions for 32 yards — punctuated by an over-the-shoulder touchdown catch on a scrambling pass by Desmond Ridder.
Brainteasers
The two-pick game by Ridder
Getting rid of the turnovers during the week off? Not in that way. Desmond Ridder, the quarterback, still needs to improve in that area after yet another game in which he committed numerous giveaways.
Notwithstanding Ridder’s errors on Sunday, the Falcons prevailed mostly because of their well-established rushing assault and their stout third-down defense.
