Saints Clip Wings of High Flying Falcons

With Santa Claus already come and gone in the aftermath of the Christmas season, the Saints didn’t expect Atlanta to be in a gift giving mood in the home season finale in the Superdome. However, the boys in Black and Gold gave every effort in their 26-13 defeat of the play-off bound Falcons, who played without its superstar quarter-back Michael Vick along with other starters who were rested by coach Jimmy Mora.

While the game was meaningless to the Falcons, the win was most rewarding for the Saints, who won their third game in a row, thus making this weekend’s visit to Carolina a must win if they expect to make the play-offs. "We aren’t even average yet, said Saints head coach Jim Haslett, but if you get in the playoffs, you wipe the slate clean and start over again." It does seem like the Saints and their defense, which has come alive on their run, have started all over again and are playing at a very high level.

The offense had their usual slow start going three and out in the first three possessions, but the Saints defense was stellar in shutting down the Vickless Atlanta offense. It wasn’t until the 6:05 mark of the 1st quarter that the ice broke on the scoring, as defensive Tony Bryant sacked Falcons QB Matt Schaub for a safety, giving the home boys a 2-0 lead. As both teams exchanged field goals, the Saints offense finally got untracked as quarter-back Aaron Brooks (27-12-227 yds,1 td, 2 int.) led the team on a time consuming 80 yard drive in 10 plays, resulting in a 1-yard sneak up the gut of the Falcons defense to take a 12-6 lead at intermission.

Again, the Saints defense attacked in the third period, shutting down Atlanta’s motionless offense led by Baton Rouge native Warrick Dunn (18 carries 52 yds) forcing and pressuring Schaub throughout the afternoon. Dunn did get loose on a screen pass that produced 59 yards, but was hauled down by Saints cb Fakir Brown from behind preventing a score. He later scored on a 16 yard scamper to bring the Falcons within six point at 19-13 Saints. Just before that score, Brooks connected with wr Dontae’ Stallworth from 39 yards in a back and forth momentum swing. That swing began to shift the Saints way after Dunn’s score, as return specialist Mike Lewis tool the ensuing kick-off back 96 yards silencing the Falcons, who were beginning to soar. "They kept trash talking me," said Lewis, "but I kept telling them it’s gonna happen. Be patient. I’m gonna bust one!"

The Saints are hoping to burst into play-off contention with a win at Carolina, who defeated them earlier in the dome. While most of us doubt the team would have this December to remember season, we’re grateful for the win and the opportunity for the Saints to be in the position to control their own destiny in the second season. Although the win won’t be considered a gift from Mora and his players, I’m sure the Saints will accept it but won’t open their mouths about play-offs until after a Panthers win.