Up to date Oct. 5, 2026, 11:49 p.m. ET
Twenty years in the past, the Atlanta Falcons had been the right get together visitors – accommodating the reopening of the New Orleans’ Superdome in 2006, a 12 months after it was savaged by Hurricane Katrina, by getting doused 23-3 by the hometown Saints in what was arguably an important night time in that franchise’s historical past.
However Monday night time, the Soiled Birds crashed the anniversary reunion.
Whereas the Saints celebrated their “Domecoming” and “Rebirth” from 20 years earlier – with a lot of their previous heroes readily available to revel – the Falcons had been unwilling to play the a part of homecoming fall guys this time. Behind an unrelenting floor sport and stifling protection, Atlanta snuffed their archrivals 45-24 on Oct. 5 to win the ultimate sport on the NFL’s Week 4 calendar.
An excellent night time and unhealthy sport produced its share of winners and losers:
WINNERS
New Orleans
The pregame ambiance was unsurprisingly electrical because the Crescent Metropolis exulted in happier occasions than the opposed ones town was nonetheless dealing with in 2006 – although that was additionally the 12 months new Saints coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees arrived. The town’s arc has usually mirrored the crew’s since then, and it was good to see Brees, Steve Gleason, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Scott Fujita, Curtis DeLoatch and so many different Saints alums readily available to take part within the festivities. And right here’s hoping for a number of extra a long time of Saints stability within the Massive Simple, which is as carefully tied to its NFL crew as another neighborhood within the league.
Bijan Robinson
He entered the night time averaging 145.4 yards from scrimmage in prime-time video games, essentially the most by any participant for the reason that 1970 AFL-NFL merger. All Robinson did was go untouched for a 59-yard landing run down the left sideline on his first contact of the sport – Atlanta’s third snap – and the Falcons mainly by no means regarded again in a sport wherein they by no means trailed. Robinson completed with 147 whole yards and two touchdowns.
Brian Robinson Jr.
Bijan’s backup – no relation – rushed for 3 TDs himself because the Falcons tied a franchise document with 5 dashing touchdowns.
Falcons’ playoff hopes
Look who’s instantly tied atop the NFC South after successful each video games since Michael Penix Jr.’s Week 3 return. And whereas the quarterback’s private numbers Monday night time had been unremarkable (15-of-20 passing for 223 yards and a landing), his presence has definitely helped to unlock this offense from a macro perspective and Robinson particularly. And the Falcons may catch one other break on Sunday night time, after they’ll host the Baltimore Ravens in prime time … however possibly not injured two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson.
ESPN’s pregame protection
From wonderful options reflecting again on New Orleans’ post-Katrina challenges, to interviews with Mike Tirico, who referred to as the 2006 Domecoming, and Trombone Shorty, to a unbelievable piece that reunited Gleason and former Atlanta punter Michael Koenen – the important thing figures in the blocked punt that spawned a “Rebirth” statue exterior the Superdome – the Worldwide Chief did a pleasant job establishing the night time. If solely it had been capable of showcase a greater sport.
LOSERS
Jake Matthews
Atlanta’s Ironman left sort out made his 199th consecutive regular-season begin Monday, the longest energetic streak within the league, however suffered a groin damage that reduce his night time quick. Matthews raced from Charlotte to Atlanta and again in 2022 to expertise the start of his first youngster whereas getting again to North Carolina in time for an evening sport in opposition to the Panthers to maintain his streak intact. Whether or not he’ll have the ability to go in opposition to Baltimore on “SNF” stays to be seen.
Saints protection
A banged-up unit received run over by the Robinsons and is rising because the weak spot of a crew had hoped to emerge as a playoff darkish horse this season. The Saints at the moment are winless in two dwelling video games this season and have been marched throughout – surrendering a minimum of 30 factors in three of their 4 video games thus far.
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