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The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 30-14 on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints' loss, their fifth consecutive at home, coupled with Carolina's win over Cleveland knocked New Orleans (6-9) out of contention for the NFC South title.

The Falcons (6-9) will play Carolina next week with the winner taking the division crown.

The Saints tried to rally in the second half but a call that went in Atlanta's favor made the mountain too tall to climb. Trailing 20-7, quarterback Drew Brees hit tight end Jimmy Graham with an apparent 14-yard touchdown pass but the officials ruled he fumbled before the ball crossed the goal line and Atlanta recovered. After forcing Atlanta to punt Brees and Graham were able to connect for a 4-yard scoring strike to make it 20-14 with 5:48 to play.

But on the Saints' next possession Robert McLain intercepted Brees and Atlanta turned the turnover into a field goal and a 23-14 lead. On the Saints' final drive Brees was sacked and lost a fumble that was returned 86 yards by Osi Umenyiora for a touchdown as time expired.

It was one of four turnovers by the Saints (two interceptions, two lost fumbles) while the Saints' defense didn't force any Atlanta turnovers.

The Saints led 7-0 early thanks to Jalen Saunders' 99-yard return of the opening kickoff to set up a 1-yard Mark Ingram touchdown but Atlanta chipped away at the lead with a couple of field goals and a 3-yard shuffle pass to Eric Weems for a score and 13-7 halftime lead that they were able to protect.

The Saints played without starting left tackle Terron Armstead and Atlanta was able get consistent pressure on Brees. He finished 30 of 47 for 313 yards with one TD and the two interceptions. Mark Ingram was the leading rusher with 13 carries for 38 yards. Marques Colston had six receptions for 80 yards, Kenny Stills added six receptions for 68 yards. Tight end Jimmy Graham added six catches for 53 yards and the touchdown.

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan was 30 of 40 for 322 yards with one touchdown. Julio Jones had seven receptions for 107 yards. Atlanta finished with five sacks.

The Saints will end their season next Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Falcons knock off Saints 30-14

papz

I know I know. There's defense, special teams, and other offensive players on the field as well... blah blah. Regardless, I just want to punch Drew in the face. That is all.

Belair57

so glad this bull**** of a season is over

Belair57

I knew he was going to throw a god damn interception on that drive....just freakin knew it..Clean house, lets start over

papz

I don't know about all that but we certainly need to play better. Looking forward to a healthy and better 2015.

dizzle88

The disappointing thing was that the even though Armstead was out, it was the interior line that failed Brees the most

I've never liked Ben Grubbs, he's been overrated since he came here, if we paid Carl Nicks what he deserved I think he'd still be in the league now performing at a high level for us

Jahri, Grubbs and Goodwin need to go.

papz

Half of those sacks were on Drew... but the interior pressure was extremely disappointing.

nola_swammi

Don't let spkb read this, he will dissect it at all angles then call you dumb if you don't see it his way. Brees is a god and spkb is his little minion

halloween 65

Hagereman was the guy I wanted last season.As far as our pass rush it was terrible. As far as our O, they can't say they did not have their chances because they had plenty of them. On to Tampa I would like to get to see what Griffin has along with the rest of our 2nd and 3rd tier players have in them, and even if we get beat, so what, there is always next season.

WhoDat!656

I am tired of Payton trying his Jedi mind tricks. Training camp at a resort. Changes the team hotel before today's game.