Saints’ ineffective defense, errors force them into 0-3 hole

The New Orleans Saints just don’t have the prime time magic at home on Monday Night Football anymore, as they dropped a crucial game to the Atlanta Falcons 45-32 on a night that promised a lot.

Things started out on the right foot, as the Saints were able to march 75 yards on an 11-play drive that finished off with Coby Fleener’s first touchdown with the black and goal. The Saints defense held the Falcons to a three-and-out on their first drive, but a special teams error by De’Vante Harris led to the Falcons recovering the ball and Matt Ryan and company took advantage.

The Falcons would have five straight touchdown drives and a field goal in addition to a tipped pick-six by Deion Jones. Just when you thought the Saints could get back into the game, errors and bad play calling led to stalled drives. Unfortunately, the Saints could just not recover and provide any answers.

Now staring 0-3 in the face, the Saints travel to San Diego on a short week and still search for their first victory of the 2016 season. This is the second straight season they’ve started big in the hole.