The New Orleans Saints had no answer for the Atlanta Falcons' running game in a 45-24 loss on Monday night. Atlanta jumped out to a 14-0 lead and never trailed, sending New Orleans to 1-3 with its most disappointing performance of the season.
A few pass catchers gave the Saints something to build on, but those efforts couldn't overcome a defense that allowed five rushing touchdowns. Here are our studs and dude from the Week 4 loss.
Stud: WR Chris Olave
Olave gave the Saints a much-needed spark with his 44-yard catch to set up their first touchdown. New Orleans was already down two scores, and that catch helped keep the game from slipping away early. He also made several difficult catches to move the chains. With the running game struggling, Olave kept giving Tyler
Shough opportunities to move the offense.
Dud: RB Kendre Miller
Miller's fumble put the Saints in a difficult spot almost immediately. Atlanta took over at the New Orleans 22-yard line and eventually turned the turnover into a touchdown, extending its lead to 14-0. Miller also struggled to produce on the ground. With Travis Etienne Jr. sidelined, the Saints needed him to help carry the rushing attack, but he instead contributed to their early deficit.
Stud: TE Juwan Johnson
Johnson was another productive option for Shough, highlighted by a 23-yard reception on a pass from Tyler Shough. The Saints needed more than short completions as Atlanta built its lead, and Johnson provided one of the team's bigger gains. New Orleans had plenty of issues offensively, but getting useful production from its tight end wasn't one of them.
Dud: Saints run defense
Coming into the game, the Saints knew that stopping Bijan Robinson would be a priority. He still broke loose for a 59-yard touchdown on Atlanta's first drive. The damage didn't end there: Bijan scored twice on the ground, and Brian Robinson Jr. scored three times. New Orleans couldn't contain the explosive runs or hold up near the goal line, which allowed Atlanta to build its lead without needing much from the passing game.
Stud: DE Tyree Wilson
Wilson picked up his first sack in a Saints uniform, dropping Michael Penix Jr. for an 8-yard loss early on. There weren't many defensive plays to celebrate, but putting Atlanta behind the chains was one of them. The larger problems against the run still need to be addressed, though Wilson deserves credit for giving the Saints a play they needed.
Dud: K Daniel Carlson
Carlson missed a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter, leaving the Saints without points on an early scoring opportunity. A kick from that distance isn't automatic, but New Orleans needed something from the possession after falling behind. Carlson later made a shorter attempt. The early miss helped set up a start in which the Saints gave themselves too much ground to make up, though.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints' Studs and Duds from ugly Week 4 loss to archrival Falcons
