Falcons vs. Saints: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2014 Regular Season

With a chance to keep their hopes of winning the NFC South alive, the Atlanta Falcons knocked off the New Orleans Saints, 30-14, to keep pace in the division. With the loss, the Saints have fallen out of playoff contention. 

The Falcons' official Twitter account noted the final score and reaction from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome:

Atlanta's victory gives it a chance to lock up the division with a win at home against the Carolina Panthers next Sunday. The Falcons swept the Saints in the season series and now stand at 5-0 in the NFC South.

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Matt Ryan led the Falcons by going 30-of-40 with 322 passing yards and one touchdown to outshine Drew Brees, who finished with two interceptions. The return of Julio Jones was crucial for Ryan, as the leading pass-catcher had seven receptions for 107 yards with Eric Weems catching the lone touchdown.

The Saints started the game with a bang as Jalen Saunders ran back the opening kickoff 99 yards to the 1-yard line. From there, Mark Ingram finished the job with a rushing touchdown to put New Orleans up, 7-0, 20 seconds into the contest.

Gaining momentum early was a focal point for the Saints entering the matchup. Prior to the NFC South clash, Brees addressed the importance of starting fast at home, via Mike Triplett of ESPN.com:

"

I think you understand how to utilize the home crowd. Early success, starting fast -- all those things keep the crowd involved, keep 'em loud. Big plays, momentum-changing plays. So you understand when you’re down and you’re not doing those things, you’re kinda taking that out of it, that benefit, that edge. So, man, we’ve gotta get that back.

"

Ingram's rushing touchdown marked his eighth of the season and second in the last two games. After going five straight weeks without reaching the end zone, Ingram celebrated his 25th birthday with another solid day on the ground.

Outside of Ingram's quick score, the rest of the first half was mostly devoid of offense for the Saints. Atlanta gradually clawed back into the game with two Matt Bryant field goals and an Eric Weems touchdown reception to take a 13-7 lead into the locker room.

In fact, Ryan's first half completely overshadowed his counterpart, via Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune:

Albert Breer of NFL.com also offered his take on Ryan's play in the crucial game:

The start of the second half was nearly identical to the first for the Falcons, with Devonta Freeman rushing from 31 yards out for a touchdown. Freeman's score gave Atlanta a decisive lead heading into the fourth quarter after a 20-0 run following New Orleans' first drive.

Corey Clark of the Tallahassee Democrat pointed out the importance of Freeman's score:

New Orleans wouldn't allow the game to slip through its grasp that easily, as Brees led the team down the field in the fourth quarter. On a 12-play, 87-yard drive, Brees found Jimmy Graham in the end zone for his lone touchdown of the game.

Graham had been mostly shut down to that point but finally broke through in the fourth quarter. However, it wouldn't be enough, as Brees threw another interception that fell into the hands of Robert McClain.

Bryant kicked a 32-yard field goal to seal the victory for Atlanta on the road. Mike Persinger of the Charlotte Observer emphasized what the win means for TV viewers in Week 17 with the division on the line:

By virtue of their win, the Falcons earn the upper hand in the South. Having just one game remaining on the season, beating the Panthers in Week 17 would secure the division crown and a playoff berth. Despite both teams underachieving this season, a victory would make the previous 15 games a moot point.

Meanwhile, the Saints are eliminated from playoff contention with Carolina defeating the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. For a franchise that has been so successful for so long, there will be a long search for answers in the offseason.

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