New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NewOrleansSaints.com New Orleans Saints players talk about win over Falcons

Saints quarterback DREW BREES on what went through his mind during the last play:

“I’m getting ready for two minute. I’m preparing myself to have to go back out there with the amount of time left and one timeout and getting us down there to kick the field goal and win the game. That’s what I’m preparing for. They (defense) did an exceptional job all day long. They put pressure on the quarterback all day long and put them in some difficult situations. Our defense was great on third down. They made some big spots when they really needed to. It was very reminiscent of last year (Atlanta game in New Orleans) with the same result. It was a great team win. It seems like this is the typical score range when we play Atlanta. It’s in the mid-20’s. Both sides of the ball are making plays. It comes down to the turnover battle. We need to score more touchdowns when we get into the red zone. Eight of the last 11 have come down to the last possession of the game. I think we know what to expect when we play these guys. That team is very well coached, disciplined and has a lot of playmakers. So do we and it makes for a great football game”

On Marques Colston breaking the club’s receiving record this afternoon:

“I knew that he broke the record today, but I didn’t know that it was on that touchdown pass. It was a critical play in the game. He made a great catch and got hit in the middle of the back. He came down with it. That was vintage Marques Colston. He came in here eight years ago as a seventh round draft pick. He didn’t know if he was going to make the team coming out of OTA’s. After training camp, he was our number one receiver and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s been the same guy every day. He comes in ready to work. He’s a playmaker and I have the utmost confidence in him. He knows the ball is coming to him and he will make that play.

Receiver MARQUES COLSTON on being the leading receiver in Saints history:

“It feels pretty good. Sean (Payton) talked about it all week, but he told me that it would only be special if we got the win. It was great to get a team victory. We are definitely going to enjoy it tonight. Then, we’ll be ready to move on to Tampa Bay next week.”

On getting the victory:

“It’s going to feel real good any time you beat an opponent at home to start the season. It was a great win for us, but there are going to be a lot of things on film that’s going to need to be corrected.”

Tight end JIMMY GRAHAM on the touchdown reception:

“We knew that we were going to have a shot there. I just happened to be open. It was a good play call at the time.”

On the start of the game:

“The (Mercedes-Benz) Superdome is always alive. We were flat. They jumped on us 10-0. We know that we can’t do that. They are a great team over there. They have a lot of weapons on offense and defense. We definitely have to have a better start next week.

Linebacker CURTIS LOFTON on the win:

“It feels pretty good. They are a great team. We rose to the occasion and it feels really good to get the win. We just played great together as a team. Now, we are 1-0 in our division.”

On the pass rush:

“It makes it difficult for them when you can rush for and get into the passing lanes. The guys up front did a great job today. We got pressure on the quarterback, but it goes hand in hand. The secondary and linebackers had great coverage, which leads to sacks. That’s how we play as a defense.

Safety ROMAN HARPER on the two turnovers:

“I’m just trying to take it back to high school and my quarterback days. Overall, it wasn’t about me. I just picked up the fumble. I made the play at the end. I need to thank my teammates. They were the ones who knocked the ball out. It was a great way of finishing it off. These games with Atlanta always

seem to finish this way. It’s exciting and a dogfight. It’s going to end up like this sometimes when you have two great teams.

On the last play of the game:

“I had (Tony Gonzalez) outside. He came up bangs me and pushed off, which was respectable. Kenny (Vaccaro) came late and Curtis (Lofton) was on the quarterback. He threw it up like a jump ball. Kenny made a play on the ball and I dove on for the interception. Next thing I know, Malcolm (Jenkins) is on top of me beating on my chest. We were excited. The next thing you know the offense was out there taking a knee. It was a great win.”

New Orleans Saints players talk about win over Falcons

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