Atlanta Falcons

2016 Atlanta Falcons: 5 Reasons why the Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:02 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons marched into the Super Dome and came away with a big victory against the Saints on Monday Night. Lets look at the reasons why that happened

Any time the Falcons can beat the New Orleans Saints, it is a great feeling. That was certainly the case Monday night for Matt Ryan and Co. The game on Monday Night Football was an offensive showcase for both teams. Combining for 77 points and 916 yards, both offenses definitely came to play. But ultimately it was Atlanta who ended up outscoring and outplaying the Saints for most of the evening in a thrilling victory.

For all the offensive success, the Falcon defense absolutely left something to be desired. Drew Brees carved up the Atlanta secondary for most of the night and the bone-headed penalties were prevalent again. If the Falcons want to build on this big win moving forward, the young defense has to step up and play better. There were some bright moments. A pick-six and 2 sacks are great, but way too many yards and points were still given up.

Enough of the negatives for one post, the Falcons beat the Saints! Fans should be excited about this and encouraged by their team’s performance. Let’s move on to the 5 main reasons the Falcons were able to win their against their bitter rival.

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) scores a touchdown past New Orleans Saints free safety Vonn Bell (48) during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tevin Coleman

With the lack of defense played on Monday night, the Falcons were due for some big offensive performances. There were a lot of choices to choose from on Atlanta’s offense, but we’ll start with Tevin Coleman. He continued his stellar 2016 with three touchdowns and 89 yards of total offense. It is becoming clear that Coleman and Devonta Freeman (more on him later), are developing into a top running back duo.

Against the Saints, Coleman was again featured a lot in passes out of the backfield. He was tied for second on the team with 3 catches and 47 yards. The ability to move him around the offense and feature his speed is essential to the Falcons success. If he can maintain this play, the Falcons will be on their way to being a top tier offense this year.

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Offensive Line

The Falcons offensive line played well again this week. Matt Ryan was only sacked twice and had a clean pocket for most of the evening. The running back duo also compiled a ridiculous 194 yards on 26 carries. That’s good for an average of 7.46 yards per carry, which is amazing. Now I know the Saints were without a lot of key defensive players tonight, but the line still played a great game.

Continually, they have created running lanes and kept Ryan upright. This unit a year ago was a liability, it has now turned into a strength. The addition of center Alex Mack has already proven to be one of Thomas Dimitroff’s best offseason signings.

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates while leaving the field after defeating the New Orleans Saints 45-32 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

3. Matt Ryan

The veteran signal caller received a lot of criticism coming into this season. After another great performance on Monday, I think it’s time to put most of that to rest. Ryan completed 20 of 30 passes for 24o yards and a pair of touchdowns against New Orleans. He constantly went through his progressions and found the open man and made the right throw.

It has become obvious that Kyle Shanahan has loosened the reigns and allowed Ryan to dictate more of the offense. The Falcons ran more no-huddle again on Monday night, and again, it was very effective. Another key part of Ryan’s game was his scrambling. There were a few occasions where his receivers didn’t get open, and he smartly ran for big first downs.

Matt Ryan is on a mission this year. If the Atlanta defense can ever find its footing, it could be a surprise year for him and his Falcons.

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Deion Jones (45) runs back an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 45-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Deion Jones

It was a homecoming for Deion “Debo” Jones Monday night in New Orleans. The native son did not disappoint in his first game in the Super Dome. He was second on the team with 9 solo tackles and also had two pass deflections. But he had the play of the game and might have saved the day for the Falcons.

His 90-yard pick-six off a Brian Poole deflection thwarted a Saints drive that would’ve cut the lead to six. Instead, it put Atlanta up 20 and sealed a huge victory. The second-round draft pick has been solid leading the defense as middle linebacker. Performances like these only solidify his role and should make fans very excited for this year and beyond.

Next: 1. Devonta Freeman

Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman ran like a man possesse. It consistently looked like he was a step faster than the entire Saints defense. He cut and scampered his way to 153 yards on 14 carries. He also got in on the passing game, catching a team leading 5 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. A game that will remind fans of his torrid five-game stretch from a year ago.

In my previous article, I said that Devonta would probably have the better game against the Saints. I had no idea he would completely incinerate them for 11 yards per touch. The Falcons have a special duo in him and Tevin Coleman. With Kyle Shanahan calling great plays for both, it’s hard to envision them slowing down anytime soon. After Devonta’s performance tonight, the Saints defenders will surely have nightmares of him running through their depleted defense.