In years past a slow start similar to today’s game would have likely spelled doom for the Falcons. Not this year. Despite falling behind 10-0 over the first 20 minutes of the game, Atlanta responded to take a 14-13 late in the half, and trails 16-14 heading into the break.
Perhaps no one responded to adversity better than Matt Ryan. After getting off to a terrible start and throwing an interception on his first drive, Ryan finished the half by hitting 9-of-10 passes and hitting Brian Finneran for a 2-yard score. That touchdown gave Atlanta its first lead of the game at 14-13.
Michael Turner accounted for the other Atlanta score. He ran one in from 5 yards out for his 13th touchdown of the season. He finished the half with 10 carries for 48 yards. Meanwhile, Roddy White leads the way in the receiving game by catching six passes for 113 yards.
The Saints scored the first 10 points of the game. After a Ryan pick, Reggie Bush scampered 43 yards to the Atlanta 9-yard line. He scored on a run from 5 yards out two plays later. Garret Hartley checked in with three field goals. Among them was a 25-yarder to give the Saints the lead back as time expired in the first half.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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