Brett Davis-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
ATLANTA, Ga. – An exciting season is all wrapped up for the New Orleans Saints. While it ends in a 19-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the promise and momentum for New Orleans going into the 2026 season is hard to shortchange.
The Story
Though the Saints fell to the Falcons in their season finale, the four-game win streak heading into this game should still sustain as a bright spot as the season comes to a close. New Orleans was in position and driving with an opportunity to take a late lead, but the turning point of the game came with an interception by Falcons cornerback Dee Alford.
It was a great play by the defender, who peeled off of his inside slant to step in front of wide receiver Samori Toure, reel in the pass and then take it back 59 yards, setting the Falcons up for the go-ahead field goal.
New Orleans responded with a late touchdown from quarterback Tyler Shough to wideout Ronnie Bell. However, it wasn’t enough to lift the Saints past their division rivals.
New Orleans will finish last in the NFC South and play a last-place schedule next year, meanwhile the Carolina Panthers are on their way to the playoffs thanks to the Falcons’ win.
The Plays
GRANDO INT 🙌#Saints | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/ke0D6TLo0s
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
Cam Jordan with his 10th sack of the season!!#Saints | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/C8hNwOFKNC
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
WHAT A CATCH.
Shough to Johnson 🎯#Saints | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/GrOnKWjTEu
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
Shough around the corner for the score 💪#Saints | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/TXkceZfGDs
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
Dot.#Saints | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/l1fmKwmNH6
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
Chase Young says HELLO!#Saints | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/fYRODHqVsl
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
What a throw, what a catch.
Touchdown Saints 🫡#Saints | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/wJKYOToT33
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026
The Stats
- Defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson are the first Saints duo to get double-digit sacks in the same season since 2013.
- Tight end Juwan Johnson reeled in a trio of catches for 61 yards.
- Running back Audric Estime ran 21 times for 63 rushing yards.
- This is the first time the Falcons have swept the Saints since 2016.
- Bell caught a one-handed touchdown, his first score since the 2023 season.
- Shough completed 23 of his 35 passing attempts (65.7%) for 259 passing yards, a passing touchdown and an interception.
The Injuries
- Rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was carted off the field in the second quarter after suffering what appeared to be a lower leg injury. He was later ruled out with an ankle injury in the second half.
- Quarterback Taysom Hill left the game with a right shoulder injury and was given a questionable designation in the third quarter. He was ruled out in the fourth quarter.
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