By Ross Jackson
New Orleans — The energy is back for the New Orleans Saints, at least for the first half. The Saints are looking the most inspired they’ve looked in several weeks leading the Atlanta Falcons at halftime, 17-7.
Pin it on Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi, running back Alvin Kamara’s new rushing yards record or the bitter rival Falcons, this Saints’ competitive edge has not been seen for a while this year.
Quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling have connected for a pair of touchdowns and a pair of deep strikes totaling 109 receiving yards already for the veteran deep threat.
New Orleans has mixed in some zone defensive looks on that side of the ball to mixed results. However, the catch-and-run opportunities have not been there for Atlanta. The biggest struggle for the Saints’ defense so far has come defending crossing routes in man coverage. The Falcons have connected on more than a few big catches in those situations.
The Saints defense almost had a goal line stand in the second quarter, forcing Atlanta to run on fourth down from the one yard line. But running back Bijan Robinson was able to punch it in. The Falcons finished the half averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
Kamara, the team’s new franchise career rushing yards leader, and the Saints have found success on the ground. The team has 70 rushing yards, averaging 4.1 per carry.
In the closing seconds of the second quarter, defensive tackle John Ridgeway III was able to get up and block Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo’s field goal attempt, leading to his second missed field goal of the game and keeping additional points off the board.
For fans that expressed concern about the amount of emotion not shown on the sideline with previous head coach Dennis Allen, that has been no issue throughout this matchup. Rizzi is bringing a ton of energy and emotion and the team is rally around him, competing and for the moment; winning.
The Saints will look to keep the momentum going as they receive the second half kickoff. The interim coach bump has been up and down in the NFL as of late. However, Rizzi and his team are playing their tails off. Now to see if they can bring it home.
