Falcons edge Saints 20-17 on Folk’s last-second field goal
Bijan Robinson rushed for 202 yards as Atlanta overcame three interceptions to defeat New Orleans on a 23-yard field goal as time expired.
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Caesars Superdome — Nick Folk kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Atlanta Falcons to a 20-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints, improving Atlanta's record to 4-1.
It was a sloppy offensive performance for both teams, with Atlanta quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. combining for five interceptions. Tagovailoa threw two, while Penix, the starter, was intercepted three times.
Despite the turnovers, Atlanta's defense kept the Falcons in contention, limiting Saints quarterback Tyler Shough to just 86 passing yards and a touchdown. New Orleans struggled to sustain drives throughout the game, forcing punter Ryan Wright into action seven times.
With Atlanta's passing attack struggling, running back Bijan Robinson carried the offensive load. Robinson rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, averaging 10.1 yards per attempt.
Receiver Drake London was held to just three catches for nine yards, but one of those receptions went for a touchdown.
Folk gave Atlanta a 17-14 lead late in the third quarter with a 29-yard field goal, but New Orleans battled back to tie the game with 6:28 remaining.
Taking possession at their own 26-yard line, the Falcons put together a methodical 14-play drive that consumed the remaining time. Atlanta moved into field-goal range while keeping the Saints' offense off the field.
With the game on the line, Folk converted from 23 yards as time expired, securing Atlanta's fourth victory of the season.
The win improved the Falcons to 4-1, with Robinson's dominant rushing performance and a strong defensive effort helping Atlanta overcome an otherwise difficult afternoon offensively.
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