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The Falcons lost their seventh game of the year on Sunday, falling 24-9 on the road to the Saints. Quarterback Matt Ryan was pressured constantly and sacked eight times.
Let’s quickly recap the performances of Atlanta’s offense, defense, and special teams units from Sunday’s NFC South showdown in New Orleans.
Offense
Atlanta’s offense was painfully bad at times on Sunday. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter called predictable plays that New Orleans seemed to be waiting for on defense. Whether it was not adjusting to the Saints’ pass rush, Julio Jones’ absence, or Matt Ryan holding on to the ball too long, most critical plays ended with Ryan being smashed into the ground.
The Saints came away with eight sacks, five of them coming from edge rushers Cam Jordan (3) and Trey Hendrickson (2). Atlanta’s running game was non-existent, with Todd Gurley rushing for just 26 yards.
Ryan threw for 232 yards and two interceptions in what wasn’t his best game. The Falcons couldn’t protect him, though, and the blame has to fall just as much on the offensive line for a bad performance on Sunday.
Defense
Defensively, Atlanta was pretty average for most of the day, giving up 284 yards (233 passing, 51 rushing) to Saints QB Taysom Hill. But while the defense deserves some criticism for giving up too many big plays, the Falcons’ offense was the bigger problem in Week 11. Although, the pressure wasn’t great, and the coverage showed its usual lapses.
When the offense can’t convert on third down, it places too much pressure on an undermanned Falcons defense. Linebacker Deion Jones played well, neutralizing RB Alvin Kamara for the most part. Foye Oluokun was having a quiet day but showed great effort recovering a careless fumble from Hill that kept Atlanta in the game.
Rookie cornerback A.J. Terrell forced a fumble and recorded six tackles (5 solo). Defensive end Charles Harris recorded one sack, while DT Grady Jarrett combined with DL Allen Bailey for another.
Special Teams
Younghoe Koo has been as valuable as any Falcons player this season, which is probably why the team has a 3-7 record after ten games.
On Sunday, Koo went 3-for-3 with a make from 52 yards out. The offense failed to get Atlanta’s breakout kicker an extra point attempt, though.
Rookie Sterling Hofrichter had a busy day, averaging 50 yards on five punts. Wide receiver Brandon Powell had one kick return for 18 yards.
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