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Saints vs. Falcons Final Score Thursday Night Football: Saints Win 17-13, Sweep Season Series

The New Orleans Saints were victorious over the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 17-13 on NFL Network's Thursday Night Football. The Saints move to 9-2 and now set their sights on the first place Seattle Seahawks.

By Dave Cariello
Kevin C. Cox

The Saints have swept the season series against NFC South division foe Atlanta Falcons with their 17-13 win on Thursday Night Football and now sit pretty at 9-2.

Despite the fact that these two teams are heading in opposite directions this season, the game was just as close as we'd expected it. Many of the stats show a very even matchup. The one turnover wound up being the true difference maker in this game.

The Saints' defense got great pressure on Matt Ryan all night thanks to Cam Jordan and Akiem Hicks; they ended the night with 5 sacks.

On offense, Pierre Thomas was a man on fire on the ground and through the air, picking up first downs along the way. Jimmy Graham also played like his usual self with 5 catches for 100 yards even and a touchdown. Drew Brees moved past Warren Moon for 5th place in NFL history in passing yards.

The Turning Point

There wasn't a very clear turning point but if there was one it would probably be Keyunta Dawson's forced fumble and Corey White's recovery in the 4th quarter when the Falcons were driving and deep in Saints territory. Had the Falcons put points on the board, the game could have had a different ending.

The Good

The Saints get another win in the NFC South and move to 9-2. They're pretty much guaranteed a playoff spot at this point. They also stay ahead of the streaking Carolina Panthers.

The Bad

It would have been nice to put a bigger beat down on a team as bad as the Falcons. I hate to see the Saints play down to their opponent. But this is a division game and they're always tough, despite the record, so I'll take it.

Saints Offensive MVP

Pierre Thomas was a beast in all facets of the game. He had 10 carries for 73 yards on the ground and 5 catches for 57 yards through the air. There is no better running back at executing the screen than the Flying Frenchman.

Saints Defensive MVP

Cam Jordan was in beast mode tonight and put himself on the map in front of a national audience. He had 6 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Matt Ryan never had a chance.

Saints Who Starred

Akiem Hicks, Jimmy Graham, Mark Ingram

Saints Who Struggled

Corey White

Crazy Stat

17 Saints had at least one tackle.

Tweet of the Game

GIF of the Game

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Injury Update

Glen Foster left the game and was listed as questionable with a left leg injury.

What's Next

The Saints get a long week to prepare for their huge Monday Night Football matchup on December 2nd in Seattle against the Seahawks. The winner of that game could very well control the first seed in the NFC and home field advantage in the playoffs.

Final Stats

NO ATL
First Downs 19 21
Total Yards 374 344
Passing Yards 271 253
Rushing Yards 103 91
Penalties (Yds) 5(66) 2(25)
Turnovers 0 1
Punts (AVG) 4(42) 3(45)
Time of Pos. 26:14 33:41

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT
D. Brees 23/33 278 2 0
Rushing CAR YDS TD LG
P. Thomas 10 73 0 18
M. Ingram 9 32 0 10
Receiving REC YDS TD LG
J. Graham 5 100 1 44T
P. Thomas 5 57 0 18
M. Colston 4 40 0 14
ATLANTA FALCONS
Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT
M. Ryan 29/38 281 0 0
Rushing CAR YDS TD LG
S. Jackson 16 63 1 8
A. Smith 1 11 0 11
Receiving REC YDS TD LG
H. Douglas 8 68 0 15
D. Johnson 6 67 0 17
T. Gonzalez 4 43 0 17

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