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Of the myriad storylines present Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, one stood tallest.

Taller than Marques Colston’s record-setting reception, a graceful, outstretched 25-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees in the second quarter that gave him the franchise career receptions lead, with 533.

Looking down even on the regular-season return of Coach Sean Payton, who missed the 2012 regular season and whose presence and influence was felt even before kickoff, as he teamed with former Saints safety Steve Gleason to initiate an emotional “Who Dat” chant by Saints fans.

Alone, deserving of its own marquee in a 23-17 New Orleans victory over Atlanta, was Rob Ryan’s defense.

With two forced turnovers (a fumble recovery and interception by safety Roman Harper), three sacks (Parys Haralson, Akiem Hicks and Junior Galette), a fourth down that clinched the win, 367 yards allowed and a sterling third-down stop rate (the Falcons were 3 for 11), the Saints’ defense was as prideful and stout as it could’ve hoped to be entering the season-opening game.

“It was obviously big,” Payton said of the fourth-down stop. “It was the difference between winning and losing. We gave up some plays and some yardage and I thought after that first quarter, we settled in and mixed some things up. That is a real good offense we played.”


Against the defending NFC South Division champions, owners of one of the league’s most potent offenses, New Orleans’ defense stiffened after allowing a first-quarter touchdown. And it came to the rescue at the end, courtesy of Harper’s end-zone interception on fourth down.

“He instills confidence,” linebacker Curtis Lofton said of Ryan. “He makes you want to go out and prove him right, that we are a great defense.”

“Sean (Payton) sent the defense out first (in player introductions), which would never happen in the past,” Harper joked. “It’s just a whole different feel. (But) it’s just one step in the right direction.”

Clearly, a good and needed one, after the Saints surrendered an NFL-record 7,042 yards last season.

Atlanta struck first, taking its second offensive possession and driving 82 yards in six plays, a drive that culminated with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to tight end Tony Gonzalez. And the Falcons' defense locked down on the next possession, forcing the Saints to turn over the ball on downs after New Orleans couldn’t convert on fourth-and-1 from its 47-yard line.

That’s where the momentum shifted – to the Saints.

Read more: John DeShazier: Rob Ryan's defense stands tall in win over Atlanta Falcons

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.