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Saints defense comes up big as Falcons' offense stalls

Chris Wesseling
Around the League Writer
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Sunday's grudge match between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons was expected to be the highest-scoring of the week, billed as a potential shootout. Instead it was Rob Ryan's revamped Saints defense that came through with the game on the line.

Safety Roman Harper picked off Matt Ryan's potential game-winning pass in the end zone to seal the victory with less than a minute remaining.

That play capped off an impressive second-half performance, as the Saints pass rush overwhelmed a shaky Atlanta offensive line. In addition to the interception, New Orleans' defense came through with three sacks and two forced fumbles, holding the Falcons nine points below their 2012 average.

Although the game was close enough that either team could have won, coach Mike Smith's team has more immediate concerns than his counterpart in the Big Easy.

The aforementioned pass protection issues extended beyond the first-year starters to established left tackle Sam Baker. Another problem for the Falcons' aerial attack is Roddy White's ankle sprain, which prevented him for pushing off throughout the game. White was essentially a non-factor, taking a backseat to Harry Douglas.

With the Buccaneers and Panthers also suffering last-minute disappointments, the Saints are in the NFC South's pole position entering Week 2.

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...offense-stalls