This has been a season from hell. Michael Penix, Jr. is out for the season, Drake London was out for this game, and the playoffs are essentially an afterthought.
But at least we’re not the New Orleans Saints.
The Atlanta Falcons retake the lead in the all-time series, 57-56, rightfully pushing the Saints back to little brother status for the time being.
So, for the first time since we’ve started this highlight reel series, we have a win to talk about, filled with highlights from Dee Alford, Bijan Robinson,
and some potential history from Kirk Cousins.
Dee Alford scoops up early fumble
The first Falcons drive ended in a three-and-out. Not ideal. However, two plays into their first drive, the New Orleans Saints gifted Atlanta with possession with a fumble on a botched snap. Dee Alford had the heads-up play to scoop up the fumble and gain a few extra yards to get Atlanta deeper in Saints territory.
Bijan Robinson picks up 32 with an exquisite juke move
Certain things happen on a football field that make you not only romantic about the game but also show you the artistry behind the game. When the Falcons get Bijan Robinson going, you get at least one of those plays a game. In the game against the Saints, it came early, as Robinson absolutely embarrassed Saints defenders on the way to a 32-yard gain.
Kirk Cousins ties Johnny U
One thing that Kirk Cousins has is longevity, and with that longevity comes a whole heap of passing touchdowns. Yesterday, Cousins threw his 289th and 290th passing touchdown, tying Hall-of-Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas’ 290 touchdowns for 17th on the all-time list.
For David Sills V, this is his first career NFL receiving touchdown. It’s looking like Cousins and Sills’ connection on the scout team throughout the season may come in handy Sunday.
Bijan Robinson is simply a magician
I don’t have anything else to say. Bijan Robinson is just special.
Kirko lowers the boom to get into NO territory
Kirk Cousins is not known for his scrambling ability, but even at 37 years old, Cousins has to show opponents that he can move a bit…and that he means business.
This drive put the Falcons in Saints territory and threatened to put three points on the board before halftime.
Kirk moon ball to Mooney brings Kirk to 290
With only seven games to go, maybe the Falcons have found a new objective: See how far up the All-time passing touchdowns rankings they can get Kirk Cousins before the end of the season. With this gorgeous 49-yard touchdown to Mooney, Cousins ties with Unitas for 17th all-time with 290 career passing touchdowns.
If the Falcons offense can continue humming like this, Cousins can realistically go up as high as 14th before the end of the season, tying him with John Elway.
Xavier Watts calls game with game-sealing interception
Xavier Watts has been itching for another interception since being without one since late September. Welp, Watts finds his hands on the ball for the third time this season, tying Bob Riggle, Clarence Ellis, and Ray Brown for second-most by a Falcons safety in their rookie season.
Notables
- Dee Alford was everywhere today. Alford ended the game with a team-high 10 total tackles (9 solo) and was responsible for ending two Saints drives on downs, one with a pass deflection and one with a great tackle to keep Mike Pettis a yard short on 4th & 15.
- Darnell Mooney pulled in all three of his targets, including that 49-yard moon ball touchdown for 74 yards, his best production since Week 16 of last year.
- After only having .5 sacks through his first seven games, James Pearce, Jr. joins Takkarist McKinley, Buddy Moor, and Mike Pitts as the only Falcons rookies to have at least one sack in three straight games.
- One more thing:
