A Legacy Forged in Fire: The Saints-Falcons Rivalry Unveiled
, by Bayou Frank, 4 min reading time
The Birth of a Rivalry
The Falcons-Saints rivalry, deeply rooted in the NFL's history, has a storied past that ignites passions and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. It all began in 1970 when both teams found themselves as division opponents, facing each other twice a season. This newfound rivalry was significant, as it marked the NFL's first foray into the traditional Deep South, a region dominated by college football.
Lopsided Losses and Last-Minute Thrills
In 1973, the Falcons delivered a stunning 62-7 victory at Tulane Stadium, etching their names in the annals of Saints history. This resounding defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the Saints but fueled the competitive fire between the two teams. Yet, it was the late 1970s that truly stoked the rivalry's flames. In 1978, Atlanta's last-minute victories, including the iconic "Big Ben Right" Hail Mary, propelled them to their first playoff berth, leaving the Saints heartbroken. The following year, another wild win by Atlanta in overtime further intensified the rivalry.
Postseason Drama
The only postseason clash between these two teams took place in 1991 during the wild-card round. The Saints, fresh off an NFC West championship, faced the Falcons, a wild card team. Atlanta emerged victorious with a game-winning 61-yard touchdown pass, sealing their playoff fate. This playoff showdown added another layer of intensity to their rivalry.
Hurricane Katrina's Impact
In 2005, amidst the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints faced the Falcons in a "home" game in San Antonio. The game was a rollercoaster, featuring multiple lead changes and ending with a controversial penalty that led to a Falcons win. However, it also symbolized the resilience of New Orleans and its beloved Saints. This match became a symbol of hope and determination in the face of adversity.
Rebirth After Disaster
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry's history occurred on September 25, 2006, when the Saints faced the Falcons in the Louisiana Superdome's official reopening after Hurricane Katrina. The Saints triumphed 23-3 in a game that resonated with the spirit of recovery. A statue depicting Steve Gleason's blocked punt outside the Superdome commemorates this iconic victory, reminding fans of the enduring strength of New Orleans and its team.
Pursuit of Perfection
In 2009, the Saints were on a quest for an undefeated season when they hosted the Falcons on Monday Night Football. After a riveting matchup, the Saints secured a 35-27 win and eventually went on to win Super Bowl XLIV. This game showcased the high stakes and the competitive spirit that defined their clashes.
Playoff Showdowns
In the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the rivalry continued to be marked by intense battles with playoff implications. Both teams fought for division titles, showcasing the high stakes and the competitive spirit that defined their clashes.
Farewell to Iconic Venues
In 2017, the Georgia Dome witnessed its final regular season NFL game as the Falcons defeated the Saints 38-32. It marked the end of an era, and Atlanta clinched the second seed in the playoffs. This game was a bittersweet farewell to a historic venue.
Unforgettable Milestones
The rivalry saw historic moments, including Drew Brees breaking records for passing yards. In 2018, Brees set a new career completions record during a thrilling game that showcased the quarterback's brilliance. These milestones added layers of excitement to their matchups.
Changing of the Guard
In 2019, the Falcons, as 14-point underdogs, delivered a shocking 26-9 victory against the Saints, who went on to have a 13-3 season. The loss forced the Saints to play on Wild-Card Weekend, ending their Super Bowl hopes. This game marked a turning point in their recent rivalry history.
A New Chapter
In 2022, the rivalry witnessed significant changes as Sean Payton retired as the Saints' head coach, and Matt Ryan departed for the Indianapolis Colts. The final regular-season game played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in their rivalry.
A Record-Breaking Comeback
In the 2022 NFL season opener, the Saints and the Falcons faced off in a game filled with drama. The Saints, led by Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas, mounted an incredible 16-point fourth-quarter comeback, winning 27-26 and securing their place in history. This game showcased the resilience and determination that define their rivalry.
The Falcons-Saints rivalry is more than just football; it's a tapestry of unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and the indomitable spirit of two teams and their dedicated fanbases. It's a legacy forged in the fires of determination and passion, and it continues to define NFL history through NOLA No One Likes Atlanta.