Falcons 2022 record: 5-9 (T-2nd in NFC South)
Opponent: New Orleans Saints
Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
Final Score: Saints 21 – Falcons 18
Notable Falcons Performances:
RB Tyler Allgeier – 17 carries for 139 YDs, 1 TD
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – 14 carries for 52 YDs, 1 TD
WR Drake London – 7 REC for 70 YDs, 1 FUM
LB Rashaan Evans – 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 QB Hit
Notable Saints Performances:
QB Andy Dalton – 11/17 (64.7%) for 151 YDs, 2 TDs
ATH Taysom Hill – 2/2 (100%) for 80 YDs, 1 TD, 7 carries for 30 YDs
RB Alvin Kamara – 21 carries for 91 YDs
TE Juwan Johnson – 4 REC for 67 YDs, 2 TDs
Next Opponent Preview:
Saturday, December 24 – @ Baltimore Ravens (12 pm CDT on FOX; Listen locally WTGZ Tiger 95.9 FM)
Baltimore Ravens 2022 record: 9-5
Previous Opponent: Cleveland Browns (L, 13-3)
Series History – Atlanta trails series 4-2
Takeaways:
As usual, a game between the Falcons and Saints came down to the wire. Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder earned the first start of his career, and many were excited to see what he would be able to do in the passing game. Overall, he had a game that one would expect from the third-round pick. Had some nerves on his first couple drives, but was able to settle in and hit some very good throws and ended up completing 50% on the day. His favorite target seems to be fellow rookie Drake London who had 11 targets in the game. The star of the game was yet another rookie; second-round pick Tyler Allgeier. He eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the first time totaling 139 on the day and adding a score. The play-calling was a little questionable at times down the stretch, especially since the Falcons again dominated in the run game, but there was definitely a chance for the Falcons to leave with a win. When leaning on rookies to make a lot of plays, sometimes it can bite you in the behind. This time, it was Drake London not protecting the ball well and fumbling after a 4th and 5 conversion with 2:13 left in the game that ultimately cost the Falcons this time around. It’s simply a live and learn situation. The Falcons are somehow still in the race to win the NFC South, but this third straight loss makes the path a lot tougher. Up next, the Falcons head to Baltimore where they might be fortunate enough to not have to face Lamar Jackson, who’s still working to come back from injury.
